With the upcoming inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States this mid-month and the impeachment proceedings against the President and the Acting President, the South Korean economy finds itself in a situation where the future is hard to predict. Despite the chaotic situation both inside and outside the country, South Korean corporations equipped with the world’s top technology are challenging the global stage. This article examines the corporations that illuminate South Korea in the world. [Editor's note]
On the 30th of last month, at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in Sacheon, Gyeongnam, two mechanics were examining hundreds of various cables attached to a helicopter frame about 10 meters tall, which lacked blades and paint. This aircraft is an anti-mine helicopter currently under development, aiming for delivery in 2026. The anti-mine helicopter is designed to detect and neutralize underwater mines using advanced sensors.
The model that the anti-mine helicopter is based on is the Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH), known as Surion. Development of Surion began in 2006 to replace aging utility helicopters operated by the Army. Following the delivery of the first unit in 2012, the military completed the induction of a total of over 200 units by June of last year.
The Surion line, which had completed its induction, had an empty work platform, but derivative helicopters were being produced on both side lines. On the left, hydraulic system work was in progress for a prototype of the Marine Attack Helicopter, alongside the anti-mine helicopter, while helicopters modified for specific purposes, including firefighting agencies, forestry agencies, and maritime agencies, were also being assembled. On the right, staff were measuring component sizes for assembly on the mass-produced models 3 and 4 of the Light Armed Helicopter (LAH), known as Miron.
The rotary wing building, measuring 10,851 square meters (approximately 3,300 pyeong), was a massive platform. It was also thanks to this platform that the first export of Surion was made possible. KAI exported two Surion helicopters to Iraq on the 23rd of last month, marking the first export of a domestically produced helicopter, with an amount of $100 million (approximately 147 billion won). During meetings with overseas officials to promote Surion exports, KAI emphasized that the platform can transform according to its functions. Iraq purchased Surion to use as a firefighting helicopter, and KAI modified it to install water tanks. A KAI official noted, “The platform's ability to transform according to purpose is KAI’s unique technology.”
Creating multiple types of helicopters from a single platform offers several advantages for importing countries. For instance, purchasing KAI’s transport helicopter and firefighting helicopter allows the importing country to replace parts economically since they are the same model. Additionally, training costs for pilots are reduced.
On this day, maintenance work for Surion and Miron was taking place in the rotary wing building's hangar. The derivative helicopters of Surion currently apply KAI’s proprietary technology known as vibration reduction technology. This technology, referred to as the Active Vibration Control System (AVCS), reduces vibration by adjusting the mass within the blades. Yong-ho Yoo, Director of Aircraft System Technology Team 2, said, “The initial Surion was reported to have significant vibration,” adding, “We identified the causes of this vibration through multiple performance improvements, and subsequently developed the AVCS.”
In the hangar connected to the fixed-wing section, the first prototype of the T-50 advanced trainer aircraft was starting its engine and moving its rear wings. About ten employees, wearing fluorescent vests, were busy conducting pre-flight checks around the T-50. This first prototype was developed in August 2002 and has undergone countless changes to its internal components over the past two decades. An aerial refueling system has been added, and the installed mechanical radar is set to be replaced with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
Lee Sang-hwi, KAI’s Aircraft Production Director, said, “We are achieving various system integrations through test flights with the T-50’s prototype and platform,” noting that “this platform made it possible to develop the KF-21.” Including this prototype, a total of over 1,400 flights have been completed by four T-50 prototypes as of today.