The National Fire Agency National 119 Rescue Headquarters said on the 13th that it newly deployed two medium-sized firefighting helicopters to the Chungcheong-Gangwon 119 Aviation Unit in Chungju, North Chungcheong. Full-scale mission operations will begin on the 22nd.
The new firefighting helicopters, "Chunggang No. 1" and "Chunggang No. 2," were manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)(047810). A total project budget of 62 billion won was invested.
Chunggang No. 1 and Chunggang No. 2 can each carry up to 14 people. The top speed is 290 km/h, and the range is about 718 km. An auxiliary fuel tank with a capacity of 437 liters (L) is installed inside the airframe to enhance long-distance mission capability, and with a single refueling they can transport emergency patients from Jeju to the Seoul metropolitan area.
They are also equipped with advanced navigation systems for nighttime aviation missions, emergency medical service (EMS) equipment, a hoist for lifesaving, and a 2,000 L belly water tank. Fire authorities expect the helicopters to be used in a variety of disaster situations, including mountain and water rescue, transport of critical emergency patients, and large wildfire suppression.
Jo Hyeon-mun, acting head in charge at the National 119 Rescue Headquarters, said, "The newly deployed firefighting helicopters will play a key role in protecting lives at various disaster sites, including mountain accidents, wildfires, and emergency patient transport in the Chungcheong and Gangwon regions," adding, "We will do our best to ensure safe and swift mission execution in any situation through thorough training and preventive maintenance."