The first production contract includes 10 helicopters and logistics support, and is expected to be completed within 36 months, with delivery of the first aircraft scheduled for December 2024. This follows DAPA's approval of a $4.5 billion plan to mass produce the LAH through 2031.
"The first mass production contract carries significance as it serves as a signal of securing mass production contracts," said a KAI official.
The LAH is intended to replace South Korea's aging fleet of 500MD Defender and AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters, and will be able to perform a variety of missions including light attack, close air support, escort, and troop transportation. The helicopter is equipped with a full-glass cockpit with smart multi-function display and integrated electronic map computer, as well as a chin-mounted 20-millimeter turret gun, air-to-ground guided missiles, and unguided rockets.
It also includes a four-axis digital automatic flight control system, a target acquisition designation system, and a helmet-mounted display to improve the pilot's ability to complete missions. In addition, various defense systems such as an electronic warfare computer, radar warning receiver, and missile warning receiver help improve the aircraft's survivability. The KAI helicopter has also adopted the Korean variable message format and Link-K, which are used for digital data exchange and tactical data link systems, respectively.
Source: Defence Blog
