Rotorcraft
KAI Unveils Light Attack Helicopter
With a first flight set for next spring, the LAH is an attack version of the H155 Dauphin developed jointly by KAI and Airbus
Dignitaries at the LAH unveiling ceremony were addressed by a number of speakers, including Korea's vice minister for defense and KAI 'spresident and CEO, Kim Jo-won. (photo: KAI)
Dignitaries at the LAH unveiling ceremony were addressed by a number of speakers, including Korea's vice minister for defense and KAI 'spresident and CEO, Kim Jo-won. (photo: KAI)

On December 18, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) held a ceremony to unveil its Light Attack Helicopter (LAH). The program is a joint development with Airbus Helicopters, based on the 4.9-tonne H155 Dauphin, which Korea selected in preference to the Leonardo AW169 to form the basis for both its LAH and LCH (Light Civil Helicopter) projects.

Attending the ceremony was the Republic of Korea’s vice minister of national defense, Seo Ju-seok, who stated, “The LAH, as a helicopter with high-tech navigation and a high degree of mobility, is a big feat for the Korean defense industry. The ministry will give its full support to the stability of the domestic industry, including improvements in weapon system development and export support at the government level.”