[Courtesy of KAI]
SEOUL -- Surion, a twin-engine transport utility helicopter developed with technical assistance from a European partner, has finally passed the test of anti-icing capability, paving the way for delivery to the military that was suspended last year due to technical defaults.
South Korea's sole aircraft manufacturer, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), said Monday that anti-icing capability of the KUH-1 Surion developed primarily by KAI has been proven in a four-month flight test that began in December last year in Marquette, Michigan.
KAI said that the test would help the aircraft manufacturer resume suspended delivery of the Surion.
To replace an aging fleet of utility helicopters, the Surion project was launched in 2006 with Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) selected as a technical partner in South Korea's biggest arms deal ever with a non-American company. Since its development was completed in July 2012, 60 Surion choppers have been delivered to the army.
However, state auditors found the Surion has exposed various defects in the field of flight stability, lightning protection and anti-icing capability that caused engine failure and other safety problems. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration, a state body controlled by the defense ministry, has been ordered to stop delivery of the Surion.
On an order from President Moon Jae-in to eradicate corruption in the defense industry, prosecutors launched a special probe last year and indicted ten former and incumbent KAI executives on corruption charges.
reporter
Lim Chang-won
cwlim34@ajunews.com
