News

KAI and Eurocopter reveal the Surion

July 31, 2009

Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Eurocopter have rolled out the first prototype Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH).

Dubbed the Surion, the 1.3 trillion won (US$1 billion) KUH project has developed Korea's first homegrown helicopter, designed specially for the requirements of the South Korean armed forces.

The first aircraft was unveiled at a special ceremony at the KAI factory at Sacheon, attended by President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Myung-bak.

Dr Lutz Bertling, President and CEO of Eurocopter said: “The on-time rollout of the Korean prototype today is an important milestone and a clear proof of our successful collaboration with KAI. It has been an enriching experience in terms of technological and multi-cultural exchange for both our teams.

"I am convinced that the Korean Utility Helicopter is a technological advancement within the field of military helicopters and that it will fully meet Korea’s future needs”.

As a System Integrator of the KUH, KAI said: “It is significant to have the KUH rolled out as scheduled because it means our customer will have this advanced helicopter as initially planned.
 
"This KUH will be a leading helicopter in the near future, which adapts state-of-the-art technologies to enhance the survivability and the mission capability as a multi-mission helicopter and it will satisfy the worldwide needs chasing upgraded efficiency in various operations with these advantages.”

KAI has used local manufacturers for 60 percent of the aircraft's parts, including the rotor blades and health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS). Eurocopter have provided the gearboxes, rotor mast and autopilot. The company has also provided technical assistance by dispatching experts to Korea.

The KUH programme was launched in 2006 and both parties say it is running to schedule. The prototype is due to fly early next year and will eventually be joined by a further three flight test aircraft.

The first aircraft are due to enter service with the Republic of Korea Army in 2012.

Some 245 KUHs are on order and will replace existing utility helicopters in the South Korean Army fleet including UH-1Hs and MD500s. KUHs will be tasked with troop assault, search and rescue, tactical lift, liaison and medical evacuation operations. There are also plans to build a commercial version of the KUH with ambitions to sell around 300 worldwide through a joint venture between the two companies.

The aircraft bears a striking resemblance to the Puma, indeed many of the new systems developed for the KUH have been tested on a Puma at the Eurocopter plant in Marignane.

By Tony Osborne - Rotorhub.com Editorial Team