KAI unveils further details on future LAH/LCH helicopters development program.

KAI will design and build the LCH and the LAH using the Airbus Helicopters’ H155 platform to ensure the safety, the reliability and the stability with a reduced risk.

The LCH certification is expected in 2020, while the first delivery of the armed helicopters will be in two years later.

The LCH, based on H155 platform, will integrate the state-of-the-art technologies for its main gear box, cockpit and main rotor blades so that its quality, performance and cost are more competitive in the future market. The LAH, based on LCH helicopters, will adopt air-to-surface guided missiles, rockets, gun turrets and defense systems against diverse threats in the future battlefield.

Upon completion of the development, KAI will become a sole company producing the LAH/LCH helicopters, since Airbus Helicopters agreed to cease manufacturing H155 and H365 series. For the promotion in the global market of the LCH/LAH, KAI and Airbus Helicopters committed to jointly collaborate.

KAI has been cooperating with Airbus Helicopters since 2006 when they signed the contract for the development of KUH (Korean Utility Helicopter “Surion”). The program was successful by achieving the performance and schedule requirements of ROKG. In spite of the intricateness of the projects, both companies are confident in the success of the LCH and LAH projects from their experience in mutual cooperation in the KUH project.

The LAH/LCH projects will lead Korea’s aviation industry to further stages along with Korean Fighter eXperimental (KF-X, which is about to start this year.

”We will acquire core competences in favour of Korea’s aerospace industry through the KF-X project, the LAH/LCH projects and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) business,” said Sung-yong Ha, the president and CEO of KAI. “We are confident that the LAH/LCH projects will contribute to promoting the national economic development as well as creating new jobs.”