BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE
But helicopter programme may be scaled back and light attack version dropped
South Korea has completed an interim feasibility report on its proposed indigenous multipurpose helicopter (KMH) after project officials visited five foreign manufacturers interested in co-operating.
Budget constraints threaten to scale down the project to a joint venture with a foreign company, however. Plans for a KMH light attack version may also be scrapped because it would be too costly to develop.
Industry sources say a Korea Development Institute (KDI)-led feasibility study team has visited AgustaWestland, Bell, Boeing, Eurocopter and Sikorsky. The results of these visits were briefed last week as part of an interim report to the ministry of national defence (MND) and ministry of planning and budget (MPB).
The KDI is tasked with completing a feasibility study by the end of June, but it is unclear whether it can stick to this deadline because it must still price several alternatives. One option being evaluated is the initial concept for KMH - developing utility and attack variants, plus a new engine. But it appears this is no longer viewed as realistic given the high cost and risk.
Setting up a joint venture and co-producing a new version of an existing helicopter appears more feasible. Other alternatives include a direct purchase, licensed production or developing an indigenous aircraft with technology bought abroad.
Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to surround the programme. The MPB has allocated only sufficient funds for a study and is withholding further funding until the cost analysis is complete.
Questions also surround the light attack version. Co-production may be pursued only for a utility aircraft to replace South Korea's MD Helicopter MD500s and Bell UH-1Hs. That would almost guarantee the restart of the AH-X heavy attack helicopter programme, which was put on hold pending a decision on the KMH and involves the purchase of Bell AH-1 replacements.
South Korea had hoped to end uncertainty over the two programmes, but the MND fears the new aircraft may not be ready in time and has ordered life extension studies for the UH-1H and AH-1.
Source: Flight International
