Two helicopters from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) are taking part in the daily flying display at the Dubai Airshow. Although the company has shown the KUH-1E utility helicopter and LAH light attack helicopter in public in South Korea, their presence in Dubai marks their first appearance at a major international show.
In service with the Republic of Korea Army since 2013, the KUH-1 traces its design origins from the Airbus Helicopters AS332 Super Puma. The initial utility/assault version, named Surion in Korean service, has served as the basis for several derivatives. They include the MUH-1 Marineon amphibious assault helicopter for the Republic of Korea Marine Corps and role-specific versions for firefighting, medical evacuation, law enforcement, anti-submarine warfare, and coast guard duties.
In 2019 KAI unveiled the KUH-1E version tailored for export. Compared with the original Surion, it has Garmin G5000 avionics with a TCAS II collision avoidance system, nose-mounted weather radar, and a strengthened structure to allow it to carry external fuel tanks and weapons pylons. The company also offers it fitted with a VIP passenger interior.
KAI also based the LAH on an Airbus Helicopters design, in this case, the H155 Dauphin. KAI has derived two versions from the H155, the initial Light Civil Helicopter (LCH) flying for the first time in July 2018. The armed Light Attack Helicopter (LAH) first flew a year later. Both LCH and LAH are powered by the Safran Arriel 2L2 turboshaft, which Hanwha at Changjon builds under license.
Still in developmental testing, the LAH is the nominated successor to the MD Helicopters MD500 and Bell AH-1 Cobra helicopters in Korean service, offering both an attack—including anti-tank—capability with the ability to carry small numbers of troops. In September 2022, KAI announced a Light Utility Helicopter derivative, focusing more on the helicopter’s troop-carrying ability and its suitability for a special forces role. The LAH’s appearance in Dubai underlines KAI’s ambitions to sell export versions.