New military helicopter option for Gulf forces is unveiled by Korea

Earlier today  the first of the Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH) models was rolled out in a ceremony witnessed by President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Myung-bak.

The roll-out was just three years after the launch of the project for which every major milestone has been accomplished on time, preliminary design review, critical design review and dynamic test vehicle’s flight.

The maiden flight of this prototype is planned for the early months of 2010 and a serial production will start for 245 helicopters for the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA). Scheduled to be deployed in 2012, the Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH) is a military transport helicopter in the eight metric ton class destined to replace existing utility helicopters in the South Korean Army fleet.

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”.

KAI and Eurocopter has a joint venture to market the KUH for export and the companies estimate potential orders of 300 helicopters worldwide.