Small Attack Helicopter Equipped with 'Israel Unmanned Aerial Vehicle'

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced on the 4th that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for cooperation on a manned-unmanned combined operation system.

The main content of the agreement is to jointly demonstrate a manned-unmanned combined operation system by mounting an unmanned aerial vehicle developed by IAI on the domestically produced Light Armed Helicopter (LAH). The two organizations plan to establish specific measures and demonstrate this within the year.

The two organizations expect that by combining KAI's system integration technology and IAI's unmanned system capabilities, a new concept of defense system that expands the mission capabilities of the LAH helicopter will be established.

The Republic of Korea Army is also currently preparing to promote a manned-unmanned combined system and is reviewing early operational deployment plans such as rapid demonstration acquisition projects.

In the short term, linking the LAH with domestically developed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is considered likely, enabling control and operation of UAVs from the helicopter and utilization of video. KAI expects that the manned-unmanned combined operation system will maximize combat effectiveness with fewer personnel and costs, and will have high future growth potential. So far, KAI has maintained a cooperative relationship with IAI through contracts for G280 main wing production in 2019 and G280 fuselage production in 2020.

Lee Bo-hyung, Director of the Helicopter Business Division at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and a Brigadier General in the Army, said at a briefing on the LAH project for defense reporters at KAI in Sacheon, Gyeongnam, on the 24th of last month, "Since the LAH and UAV are already secured, (Phase 1) could be demonstrated within two years at the earliest." The Phase 2 manned-unmanned combined system, which operates canister (launcher)-type drones mounted inside the LAH for reconnaissance and strike purposes, is expected to be realized within five years at the earliest.

DAPA's promotion of the manned-unmanned combined system using the LAH is a measure considering the expandability of the LAH. The LAH, developed by modifying the first domestically developed small civil helicopter (LCH, Light Civil Helicopter), has spatial room in the rear interior, unlike other attack helicopters.

The manned-unmanned combined system can also increase the survivability and operational effectiveness of the LAH. Director Lee explained, "When helicopter pilots cross over mountains, the biggest fear is whether there are enemies beyond the mountain," adding, "If a UAV is deployed to check, it can greatly increase the chances of survival."

KAI President Ahn Hyun-ho said, "We will accumulate technology for manned-unmanned combined operation systems to diversify products and create new demand, laying the foundation for export commercialization."

The LAH is a small attack helicopter equipped with domestically produced air-to-ground missiles (AGM) Cheongeom, 20mm machine guns, and 70mm rockets, boasting excellent mobility to perform various missions such as destroying enemy tanks, escorting airborne assault units, and powerful reconnaissance.

Prototypes 1 to 3 received provisional combat suitability certification in December last year, and follow-up tests and evaluations are underway. If the combat suitability certification is obtained as scheduled in August next year, system development will be completed in 2023.