UH-60 Wings to Be Repaired Domestically from Now On

UI Helicopter Recognized for Maintenance Capability by Army Logistics Command

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] From now on, the main rotor blades of the Army's UH-60 helicopters will be repaired domestically. Since the UH-60 was introduced in 1991, the main rotor blades have been sent overseas for maintenance, leading to excessive repair costs and decreased operational rates.

On the 23rd, domestic defense company UI Helicopter announced, "Last month, we received a 'Maintenance Capability Development Certificate' from the Army Logistics Command, enabling us to repair the main rotor blades of the UH-60 domestically."

One of the critical components of the UH-60 helicopter's main rotor blade is the 'Cuff Assembly.' The cuff assembly must be replaced every 5,000 flight hours. To replace this part, the main rotor blade was removed from the UH-60 helicopter and sent overseas for maintenance. Due to COVID-19 and the Ukraine war, the dollar exchange rate rose, increasing maintenance costs by 30%, and transportation time was prolonged, inevitably lowering operational rates. However, domestic maintenance can reduce both repair costs and time.

The UH-60 helicopter manufacturer, American Sikorsky, has been reluctant to transfer maintenance technology for the cuff assembly to export countries. This is why UI Helicopter says it has been recognized for 37 years of maintenance capability by overseas companies.

Founded in 1986, UI Helicopter is an aviation specialized company focusing on aircraft maintenance (MRO), manufacturing, and modification. It specializes in repairing foreign helicopters such as Bell Helicopter and was designated as a defense industry company by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy in 1990 and obtained maintenance organization certification (AMO) from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in 2004.