BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE
Long-delayed attack and utility programme faces several obstacles before the start of development in late 2004
South Korea has pushed forward plans for an indigenous helicopter by unveiling an ambitious schedule for building 1,000 attack and utility helicopters in the next decade with a foreign manufacturer that will be selected early next year.
The long-delayed Korean Multirole Helicopter (KMH) programme, however, faces several hurdles before development can start late next year. Over the next few months, the ministry of national defence (MND) has to define a configuration and a role for foreign manufacturers.
Manufacturers anticipate that the KMH will be an 8,000-9,000kg (17,600-19,800lb) aircraft developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) with technology and marketing support from a Western partner. KMH will likely follow the KAI/ Lockheed Martin T-50 trainer model, although a joint venture and licensed production are being considered.
Earlier this year, KHM project officials visited AgustaWestland, Bell, Boeing, Eurocopter and Sikorsky (Flight International, 6-13 May). These five are now waiting for a request for proposals.
The MND's schedule includes establishing a development concept by year-end, selecting a foreign partner by June next year and completing a development plan by September 2004. The MND will seek final approval, expected next October. Utility helicopters deliveries would begin in 2010 and attack helicopters in 2012.
Programme cost is tentatively $1.7 billion for development and $11 billion for acquisition. This figure will be revised - most likely downwards - as the MND defines the programme. The government has approved the planning phase.
Manufacturers expect to be asked to make an equity investment and allow the KMH to be exported. In exchange, they will benefit from the procurement of 300 utility and 180 attack helicopters.
"It will be a business case all of us will have to look at," says a source. "The only thing guaranteed is the number of Korean KMHs."
But industry sources say they may be reluctant to give up export territory and fear the domestic requirement could be downsized given the KMH will be heavier than BellUH-1Hs and MD500s. The export target of 500 commercial and military sales may also be a stretch.
Manufacturers are questioning plans to build a utility helicopter first and then an attack variant. Bell is trying to convince Seoul to take the opposite approach, similar to the way it has developed the AH-1Z and UH-1Y. Boeing says it is a bad idea to develop a common attack and utility helicopter and still hopes to sell South Korea AH-64 Apaches.
Source: Flight International
