Samsung Aerospace is studying development of a new multirole combat version of the SB427 commercial helicopter to offer to the South Korean army to replace its Boeing MD500s.
The proposed SB427M derivative of the co-developed Samsung/ Bell twin-engine helicopter is being aimed at the army's future Korean Multi-purpose Helicopter (KMH) programme. Samsung believes there is a potential requirement for up to 300 machines to replace the Korean Air-built MD500s, the oldest of which was delivered in 1976.
According to Samsung helicopter marketing manager, Sung Nam Kang, design modifications would include fitting the helicopter with a yet-to-be selected target acquisition and designation system. The mast-mounted system would include a forward-looking infrared imager and television. Other sensor options would include a radar warning receiver.
The SB427M would include provision for two side pylons capable of carrying a combination of up to four Boeing Hellfire or TOW anti-tank missiles, four Raytheon Stinger air-to-air missiles and 70mm rocket pods. The helicopter could also be armed with a belly-mounted 12.7mm gun pod, self-defence infrared counter-measures and armoured cabin, cockpit and engine cowling.
Samsung plans to retain the SB427's twin 950kW (708shp)-rated Pratt & Whitney PW206D turboshafts, but uprate the transmission from 595kW to 700kW and widen the rotor blade slightly. The maximum take-off weight would be raised by 452kg (1,000lb) to 3,171kg and ski-gear reinforced.
The South Korean army has not yet formally launched the KMH programme and is unlikely to until after the selection of a new attack helicopter. The potential size of the programme is already attracting other potential contenders, however, with Korean Air proposing the development of a new indigenous KMH design with technical assistance from Sikorsky.
Eurocopter and its partner Daewoo are looking at two options to meet the KMH requirement. The first proposal would be a development of the Daewoo-built BO-105 CBS5 selected to meet the South Korean army scout helicopter requirement, known as the Korean Light Helicopter.
For the KMH programme, Eurocopter says it would increase the helicopter's performance and all-up weight, as well as adding anti-tank and command and control capabilities. The "high-end" solution would be the EC635, an armed version of the 2.6t Eurocopter EC135 multirole helicopter already proposed to South Africa.
Source: Flight International
