South Korean Light Armed Helicopter Completes First Flight

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) completed the first flight of the initial Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) prototype on August 19.

The test flight with two pilots on board was conducted in KAI’s headquarters for about 20 minutes, a statement posted on the KAI website said.

The LAH prototype achieved first lift-off in July this year. Development began in June 2015; basic design and critical design was completed in August 2016 and November 2017 respectively following the show-off of the prototype in December 2018.

Starting from January this year, KAI conducted the ground test to confirm the main systems and their stability. On the first flight readiness review held in June, the company obtained approval for the LAH’s first flight test.

The LAH is equipped with a 1032 HP engine and is aimed at both the domestic and export markets.