Korea’s Rotorcraft Make Dubai Debut

Framed by a giant Emirates Airbus A380, the second prototype KAI Light Attack Helicopter was also displayed in the Dubai Airshow static as well as the flying display. The platform has been developed from the Airbus EC155 twin-engine commercial helicopter. KAI are also offering a commercial version of the aircraft known as the Light Civil Helicopter (LCH).

KAI is eager to show off its ability to customise its helicopters for potential customers. The KUH on display is in a unique Export (KUHE) configuration, using the aircraft as a testbed for configurations that could be demanded by customers. In the static display the KUHE was display with several UAE-developed weapons indicating that a wide variety of ordnance can be integrated.

Korea Aerospace Industries has shown off its rotorcraft products at an airshow outside South Korea for the first time here at the Dubai Airshow, with debut appearances of the Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH) and the Airbus H155/EC155 derived Light Attack Helicopter (LAH).

The LAH is equipped with a comprehensive self-defense suite to protect the aircraft from battlefield threats including infra-red guided missiles.

The LAH is equipped with a trainable under nose gun, and stub wings for guided missiles and rockets. The aircraft is powered by a pair of Safran Arriel 2 turboshafts.

An under nose trainable gun proposed for the Marine version of the KUH is also being proposed for the export market and was on display with the aircraft. Also visible in the image covering the air intakes is a sand filtration system to protect the General Electric/Hanwha T700 engines.