KUH on display in Seoul

The indigenous Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH) was a crowd puller at the biennial Seoul International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition held from 20-25 October 2009.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has christened this new craft Surion. In development since June 2006 and designed specifically for local requirements, the KUH is testament to South Korea’s recent aeronautical progress.

According to Choi Gun-Mook, Senior Manager of the KHP Programme Management Department, the craft on display in Seoul was the second prototype. “The first prototype will have its maiden flight in March 2010, while number three is currently being assembled. The fourth will start final assembly in December 2009, while all four prototypes will be completed by February 2010,” revealed Choi.

Primary missions of the 15m-long Surion, a product of the Korean Helicopter Programme (KHP), are airborne assault, transport, SAR, medevac and C2. The KUH accommodates two pilots, two door-gunners and nine combat-equipped passengers. A pair of license-produced T700-GE-701K turboshafts offers a maximum speed of 144 knots.

Choi Gun-Mook stated, “The development phase should finish in June 2012, with first deliveries to the Republic of Korea Armed Forces occurring about the same time”.

At least 245 helicopters are being ordered, although a USD4+ billion production contract will not be signed until late 2010. Arrival of the Surion will allow replacement of older helicopters like the UH-1H. “This is a long-term project and it will take ten years to make them all,” said Choi. At its peak, the KUH design team employed 700, though the present workforce is 400.

While KAI is prime contractor for this new 8-tonne utility helicopter, it is being developed in conjunction with Eurocopter, which is providing the transmission, rotor mast and automatic flight control system. Eurocopter has 30% and 20% stakes in the development and production phases respectively. Approximately 60% of KUH components are made indigenously, including the composite rotor blades, and Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) prognostics. Elbit Systems is reportedly supplying ANVIS/HUD-24 helmet-mounted displays.

As well as the Surion prototype at the Seoul Air Show, KAI also displayed scale-model variants based on the KUH platform. Two solutions for the Korean Attack Helicopter (KAH) programme include a tandem-seat weapon-carrying version that shares 70% of the Surion’s components, as well as a dedicated attack helicopter resembling the Eurocopter Tiger.
The latter boasts a narrower airframe utilising 60% of KUH components. Both versions carry 16 antitank missiles, 70mm rockets and a 20mm/30mm turret gun. Choi admitted these models were just “design ideas” and little development had taken place thus far. South Korea requires 270 attack helicopters to replace elderly Cobras and MD500s, with the government expected to elucidate requirements next year.

There are also hopes of export sales from 2011, including both civilian and military versions. On 18 October 2007, KAI and Eurocopter created a joint venture to internationally market the KUH. The company is seeking 300 export sales over the next 25 years. However, KAI’s first priority is successfully getting the Surion into the air and onto the production line.

By Gordon Arthur