South Korean media reported that the Defense Procurement and Program Administration (DAPA) and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) signed a contract worth $234 million to start mass production. Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) on December 22, 2022.
The contract comes after DAPA approved a plan worth 5.75 trillion won ($4.5 billion) to begin mass production of LAH through 2031.
This first production contract includes 10 helicopters and a logistics support package – the contract will be completed within 36 months and the first aircraft will be delivered in December 2024.
– ADVERTISING – CONTINUE READING BELOW –
KAI’s LAH is intended to replace the aging fleet of 500MD Defender and AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters and take on multiple mission roles such as light attack, air support, escort and troop transport.
The helicopter has an integrated all-glass cockpit, is equipped with a smart multifunction display (SMFD) and an integrated electronic map computer (IDMC), and is equipped with a 20 mm turret gun mounted in chin, air-to-ground guided missiles. and unguided missiles.
In addition, the four-axis automatic digital flight control system (AFCS), target acquisition designation system (TADS) and helmet-mounted display (HMD) help improve completion. mission of the pilot through closer linkage with weapons systems.
Several other defense systems – electronic warfare computers, radar warning receivers and missile warning receivers – also help improve the aircraft’s survivability.
KAI helicopters have adopted the Korean variable message format (KVMF) and Link-K ― for the first time among domestically developed aircraft. KVMF is a means of exchanging digital data over an interface that is possible between combat units at different levels of organization and applies to a variety of tactical communication systems, while Link-K is an interoperability system. Tactical data linkage to upgrade the joint operational capabilities of ROK forces.
A KAI official said: “The first mass production contract is significant because it serves as a signal to secure the mass production contract.
