Hubbry Logo
KAI LCHKAI LCHMain
Open search
KAI LCH
Community hub
KAI LCH
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
KAI LCH
KAI LCH
from Wikipedia

The KAI LCH (Light Civil Helicopter, Korean: 소형민수헬기) is a medium-sized twin-engined civil helicopter manufactured by the South Korean aerospace manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). It is derived from the Eurocopter EC155 and is closely related to the Light Armed Helicopter (LAH), a militarised rotorcraft intended for battlefield operations.

Key Information

Development of the LCH commenced in June 2015 with an agreement between the multinational rotorcraft manufacturer Airbus Helicopters and KAI under which the former committed to transferring production of the EC155 to the latter, while the two companies would jointly market, sell, and develop the type for the international market. On 24 July 2018, the first prototype LCH made its maiden flight in Marignane, France. On 5 December 2019, the second prototype made its first flight from Sacheon, South Korea. During September 2022, type certification for the LCH was received from the South Korean aviation authorities; the first production rotorcraft was delivered in the following month.

History

[edit]

During June 2015, it was announced that the multinational rotorcraft manufacturer Airbus Helicopters and the South Korean aerospace giant Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) had signed contracts for the transfer principle manufacturing activity for the Eurocopter EC155, a medium-sized helicopter, from France to South Korea. Under the terms of the agreement between the two companies, KAI shall become the sole manufacturer of the type after 2018, while both companies shall be jointly engaged in the international marketing, sales, and further development of the rotorcraft. Furthermore, the EC155 would be become the basis for two new helicopters produced by KAI: the Light Civil Helicopter (LCH) and Light Armed Helicopter (LAH), which shall feature numerous improvements, including a new cockpit, improved gearbox, and redesigned rotor blades.[1][2]

Reportedly, the development of the LCH had $460 million of funding allocation, $293 million of which was sourced from the South Korean government while the remainder has been provided by the various private companies involved in the programme.[3] At the time of the partnership announcement, the LCH had an anticipated in-service date of 2020.[1] The initiative incorporates some technologies, and a level of commonality, with that of the earlier KAI KUH-1 Surion utility helicopter programme.[3] One specific technology shared is the digital four-axis autopilot, which is fitted upon both the Surion and the EC155; it provides relatively stable hover performance even under extreme conditions, along with precision settings for altitude, speed and headwind.[4] The latest technologies of the EC155 family have been made available for incorporation into both the LCH and LAH.[4] The powerplant for the LCH (and LAH) is the Arriel 2L2 turboshaft engine, which was co-developed by Safran Helicopter Engines and Hanwha Techwin, the latter producing the engine under license from the former at its facility in Changwon, South Korea.[5][6]

On 24 July 2018, the first prototype LCH conducted its maiden flight in Marignane, France.[4] According to Airbus, this flight had taken place two months ahead of the contracted schedule, and that early flight testing would be performed by Airbus in France as part of their agreement with KAI to provide technical support for the programme. Airbus is to undertake a full technology transfer to KAI so that it would be capable of developing its own indigenous rotorcraft.[4] On 5 December 2019, the second prototype made its first flight from KAI's headquarters in Sacheon, South Korea; unlike the first prototype, this one was assembled locally. The helicopter is reportedly equipped with 80 components and/or systems that were produced in South Korea, including the rotor blades, automatic flight control system, and active vibration damping system.[7][3] In September 2020, it was announced that the transfer of EC155 production from France to South Korea would take place during the following year.[8][9]

During September 2022, type certification for the LCH was received from the South Korean aviation authorities.[10] It has been designed to be fully compliance with the standards of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), facilitating its use with many international operators.[3] In the following month, the first production standard LCH was delivered to a local operator, Gloria Aviation, which will use it to provide emergency medical services (EMS) around Jeju Island from December 2022 onwards. It is envisioned that the type will perform in mission roles such as search and rescue (SAR), air ambulance, utility, law enforcement, and aerial firefighting.[10]

Specifications

[edit]

Data from Korea Aerospace Industries[11]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Capacity: 15 passengers
  • Length: 12.7 m (41 ft 8 in)
  • Width: 3.5 m (11 ft 6 in) (fuselage)
  • Height: 4.4 m (14 ft 5 in)
  • Max takeoff weight: 4,919.6 kg (10,846 lb)
  • Powerplant: 2 × HAS-Arriel 2L2 turboshaft engines, Take-off Power, 703.2 kW (943.0 hp) each

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 265 km/h (165 mph, 143 kn)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The KAI LCH (Light Civil Helicopter) is a multi-role, medium-sized twin-engine developed by (KAI) in collaboration with for civil and para-public applications. Based on the Airbus H155B1 platform, it belongs to the 5-tonne class and is designed primarily for , , , , VIP transport, and utility missions. The LCH features advanced , a spacious cabin accommodating up to 15 passengers, and enhanced performance for diverse operational environments. Development of the LCH began in 2015 as part of a joint program with , building on a broader established in 2006 that includes transfers and kit assemblies for South Korean helicopter production. The prototype achieved its first flight in 2018, with prototype flights completed by the end of 2019, and the program reached certification in September 2022. The first LCH was delivered to Gloria Aviation in , , in October 2022, entering service in December 2022 for on . Key specifications include a of 10,846 pounds (under ISA, sea level conditions with standard fuel), twin Arriel 2D engines each delivering 943 shaft horsepower, and a maximum speed of 143 knots. The LCH was developed concurrently with the military Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) variant under South Korea's indigenous helicopter initiative, sharing the same 10,000-pound-class to optimize production and efficiencies. Over 250 kits have been supplied by to KAI to support ongoing manufacturing and future variants aimed at expanding operational and economic benefits.

Development

Program initiation

The Light Civil Helicopter (LCH) program originated from a strategic partnership announced in March 2015 between (KAI) and to develop localized twin-engine tailored for South Korean civil needs, leveraging Airbus's established medium-lift technology. This collaboration aimed to transfer key manufacturing and design expertise to KAI, enabling domestic production while adapting the platform for regional operational requirements such as diverse terrain and weather conditions. Program initiation advanced with contracts signed on June 24, 2015, between KAI and South Korean government entities, including the (DAPA) and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, committing a total of 1.6 trillion won (approximately $1.4 billion) in non-recurring development costs for both the LCH and the parallel Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) programs. Government contributions included 650 billion won from DAPA and 350 billion won from the Ministry, with additional investments from (400 billion won) and the KAI consortium (200 billion won), emphasizing and localization of production to bolster South Korea's aerospace industry. The LCH-specific allocation supported core technology development, with estimated costs around 950 billion won, focusing on civil-market readiness. The program's objectives centered on fulfilling civil and para-public roles, including , air ambulance services, utility transport, law enforcement operations, and , to address growing domestic demand for versatile medium-lift helicopters. The H155B1 was selected as the baseline platform due to its proven reliability in medium-lift civil missions, twin-engine safety, and adaptability for Korean-specific customizations like enhanced avionics integration and multi-role configurations. This choice facilitated a shared development pathway with the LAH for applications, optimizing resource use across the initiative.

Prototype construction and testing

The first prototype of the KAI Light Civil Helicopter (LCH) was constructed at the facility in , , and completed in 2018. This prototype, based on the H155 platform, underwent initial ground preparations before entering . On 24 July 2018, the first prototype achieved its at , two months ahead of the contractual schedule, initiating a comprehensive testing program aimed at meeting civil certification standards such as those from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The initial flight lasted approximately 30 minutes and focused on basic handling qualities, stability, and systems checkout, with subsequent tests expanding the to evaluate performance across various speeds, altitudes, and maneuvers. These efforts included systems integration trials for , flight controls, and the Arriel 2C2 engines, ensuring compliance with international airworthiness requirements. Under the 2015 joint development agreement between and (KAI), technical know-how was transferred to enable indigenous production capabilities in . This transfer facilitated the construction of the second prototype at KAI's facility in , marking the first LCH built domestically. The second prototype completed its maiden flight on 5 December 2019 from Sacheon, lasting about 20 minutes and validating local assembly processes alongside further systems integration. Subsequent testing phases for both prototypes encompassed envelope expansion to define operational limits, detailed systems integration for civil and mission equipment, and environmental trials adapted to South Korea's diverse conditions, including maritime operations and mountainous terrain. These trials, conducted through , incorporated ground vibration tests, hot-and-high performance evaluations, and icing qualification assessments to confirm reliability in regional scenarios like coastal and search-and-rescue missions.

Certification and entry into service

The Light Civil Helicopter (LCH) achieved type certification from the Korea Office of Civil Aviation (KOCA) in September 2022, verifying its compliance with applicable civil airworthiness standards for safe operation in civilian roles. This milestone followed extensive testing and development collaboration between (KAI) and , enabling the transition to operational use. The certification affirmed the LCH's design as a localized variant of the H155, incorporating enhancements for Korean operational environments while maintaining international standards. Following certification, KAI initiated serial production of the LCH at its facility, marking the shift from to full-scale . The facility, equipped for assembly, supports the integration of domestically produced subsystems to enhance in production. In October 2022, the first production LCH was delivered to Gloria Aviation during a ceremony at , configured for (EMS). This aircraft entered service in December 2022, primarily supporting life-saving missions including EMS, , and firefighting operations on . To address growing domestic demand, KAI outlined plans to LCH production rates and further incorporate Korean-made components by 2025, aiming for greater localization and economic benefits. This strategy builds on the program's emphasis on , with over 250 kits already supplied to KAI for assembly, supporting variants tailored to civil needs such as VIP and parapublic services.

Design

Airframe and rotor system

The KAI LCH features a fuselage length of 12.7 m, providing a compact yet versatile airframe derived from the Airbus H155 platform. The rotor system includes a four-bladed main rotor designed for efficient lift and maneuverability in civil operations, paired with a Fenestron anti-torque system integrated into the tail boom. This Fenestron is adapted from the H155 configuration. The main rotor blade incorporates Korean-developed aerodynamic design enhancements for improved performance and noise reduction, validated through flight testing. The fuselage employs composite materials extensively in its construction, contributing to significant weight savings of up to 20% compared to traditional metallic structures while offering superior resistance. These properties make the particularly suitable for demanding civil roles such as maritime or , where exposure to saltwater and harsh environmental conditions is common. The cabin is configured for high-density civil utility, accommodating up to 15 passengers in standard seating or adaptable modular layouts for (EMS) and missions. It features large sliding doors on both sides for rapid access and egress, along with quick-change interior kits that enable reconfiguration between passenger transport, medical evacuation setups with stretchers, or secure holding areas for personnel transport in under an hour. To support heavy-lift utility tasks, the includes structural reinforcements in the underbelly and transmission areas, rated to handle external loads via a cargo hook system with a maximum capacity of 1,600 kg. This sling load capability allows for underslung transport of equipment or supplies without compromising the internal cabin space.

Powerplant

The KAI LCH is powered by twin Arriel 2C2 engines, the same as those fitted to the H155. Each engine delivers a maximum takeoff power of 703.2 kW (943 shp), enabling reliable propulsion for civil missions such as passenger transport and . The Arriel 2C2 incorporates a full authority digital engine control () system, which optimizes fuel flow, ignition, and overall performance while minimizing pilot workload by automating engine management during various flight phases. The fuel system supports an internal usable capacity of 1,257 litres (approximately 1,010 kg), sufficient for an endurance of up to 4 hours on typical civil routes, such as inter-city shuttles or offshore support operations. This configuration draws from the baseline H155 design but includes adaptations for enhanced efficiency in diverse operational environments. The helicopter's stands at 4,919.6 kg, with design provisions allowing safe single- operation for utility tasks, including continued flight and controlled descent if one engine fails. This enhances safety margins for civil applications. Korean-developed health and usage monitoring systems provide real-time diagnostics integrated with the for sustained performance under environmental stresses.

Avionics and cockpit

The KAI LCH is equipped with a modern featuring multifunction displays (MFDs) and a four-axis system, which significantly reduces pilot workload during demanding civil missions such as (EMS) and operations. This suite incorporates Korean-developed mission management systems, including synthetic vision and terrain avoidance functions, enabling safe low-level flights in challenging environments. The communications package includes dual VHF/UHF radios, a (TCAS), and , optimized for real-time coordination in patrols and responses. The cockpit accommodates two pilots in ergonomic seating with night vision goggle (NVG) compatibility and modular instrument panels that support customization for various civil roles, enhancing versatility without compromising safety.

Variants

Light Civil Helicopter (LCH)

The Light Civil Helicopter (LCH) serves as the baseline unarmed variant of the KAI family, designed primarily for non-military applications in South Korea's sector. Developed in collaboration with , it is based on the H155 platform but incorporates localized production and system integrations to meet domestic regulatory and operational needs. In its primary civil roles, the LCH supports (EMS) with dedicated interiors for patient transport, utility operations for passenger and cargo carriage, and missions. For EMS, the cabin can be outfitted to accommodate medical equipment and personnel, enabling rapid response to critical incidents, as demonstrated by the first production aircraft delivered in an EMS configuration to operator Gloria Aviation in 2022. Utility transport configurations allow for up to 15 passengers, making it suitable for executive, VIP, or general shuttle services in civilian and para-public environments. In applications, the LCH is targeted at agencies requiring aerial support, with potential adaptations for water or suppressant delivery to combat wildfires. Customization options enhance the LCH's versatility for specialized tasks, including hoist systems for (SAR) operations and adaptable undercarriage setups. The hoist enables personnel recovery or cargo sling loads in remote or maritime settings, aligning with its envisioned SAR role. Undercarriage variants support operations on varied surfaces, such as rough for utility missions or shipboard environments for coastal response, leveraging the platform's wheeled retractable design. These features allow operators to reconfigure the efficiently between roles without extensive modifications. Production of the LCH emphasizes the domestic Korean market, with (KAI) handling assembly in to promote localization and reduce costs through supply chain efficiencies. The program builds on a 2015 agreement with , enabling progressive increases in local content for components like the and systems, supporting South Korea's goal of self-reliant manufacturing. The first LCH achieved in September 2022 and entered service shortly thereafter, marking KAI's entry into serial civil helicopter production. Compared to the baseline H155, the LCH features enhanced modularity for faster role adaptations, such as interchangeable cabin modules, and integrates Korean-developed for improved compatibility with national airspace regulations and maintenance networks. These updates, including a revised main gearbox, optimize performance while maintaining the core twin-engine reliability of the Arriel 2C2 powerplants. The LCH shares developmental foundations with the Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) variant, achieving over 60% commonality in and subsystems to streamline production.

Light Armed Helicopter (LAH)

The Light Armed Helicopter (LAH), designated LAH-1 Miron, represents the militarized derivative of the KAI Light Civil Helicopter (LCH) program, adapted specifically for combat roles within the (RoKA). Development of the LAH proceeded in parallel with the civil LCH, leveraging the shared H155-based airframe while incorporating military-specific enhancements for tactical operations. The LAH prototype achieved its in July 2019, marking a key milestone in its progression toward operational readiness. Following a comprehensive test campaign, the helicopter was fully qualified in , enabling the transition to production phases. In August 2023, (KAI) and formalized an agreement to initiate serial production of the LAH for the RoKA, with the first two helicopters delivered on December 26, 2024, to the , initiating serial production to replace aging MD 500 and AH-1S fleets. As of 2025, plans call for up to 214 units by 2031. A core focus of the LAH's design is its armament integration, enabling versatile attack and missions. The helicopter features stub wings equipped with four under-wing hardpoints, supporting a range of weaponry including anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) such as the LIG Nex1-developed Cheon-gum precision-guided munitions, 70mm rocket pods for unguided , and pods for close-range engagements. A chin-mounted 20mm Gatling-type provides additional capability, integrated with an electro-optical/ (EO/IR) targeting system for precise acquisition and real-time weapon aiming. These systems are complemented by self-protective lasers and countermeasures against man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), enhancing the LAH's effectiveness in contested environments. To bolster survivability in , the LAH incorporates reinforced modifications absent from the civil LCH , including crashworthy self-sealing fuel tanks that mitigate damage from ballistic impacts and enhance post-hit operational continuity. The , constructed from corrosion-resistant composites and light alloys, features upward-directed exhausts to reduce signatures, alongside missile warning receivers mounted on the and tail boom for early threat detection. These adaptations, combined with a low from the Spheriflex main rotor and , prioritize tactical endurance without compromising the baseline 's agility. Looking toward future enhancements, KAI is exploring an unmanned variant of the LAH for and loitering missions, adapting the existing suite to support autonomous operations and manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) concepts. This configuration would leverage the helicopter's to integrate drone control interfaces, potentially extending its role in networked scenarios while maintaining compatibility with the manned LAH platform. Additional planned derivatives include a Utility Helicopter for troop transport and variants.

Operational history

Domestic adoption in South Korea

The initial domestic of the KAI Light Civil Helicopter (LCH) occurred through delivery to Gloria Aviation, South Korea's first private helicopter operator, which received the inaugural unit in October 2022 following certification earlier that month. Configured for (EMS), the helicopter entered operational service in December 2022, supporting life-saving missions such as patient transport and in the isolated coastal and island environments of . This deployment marked the LCH's entry into South Korea's sector, emphasizing its role in addressing geographical challenges for rapid medical evacuations. In July 2023, Gloria Aviation accepted a second LCH unit during a delivery ceremony, equipped with advanced medical systems to serve as a dedicated reserve for the primary . This addition bolstered EMS capabilities around Jeju, ensuring continuous availability for critical responses in maritime and remote areas where ground access is limited. By mid-2024, the helicopters were actively operating in these roles, with documented ferry and operational flights confirming their integration into routine island-based services. Beyond EMS, the LCH supports broader para-public missions in , including surveillance, disaster response, , , and firefighting, aligning with national goals for indigenous in civil applications. These configurations promote in domestic aviation by enabling local operators to handle utility and public safety tasks without heavy dependence on imports.

Export potential and international operators

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), through its longstanding partnership with , has targeted international markets for the Light Civil Helicopter (LCH) via joint global distribution and marketing efforts formalized in a . This collaboration leverages the LCH's design, which incorporates over 60% commonality with its armed counterpart while adapting the H155 platform for civil applications such as , VIP transport, law enforcement, and offshore utility operations. Airbus Helicopters has projected substantial export potential, estimating up to 900 combined sales of the LCH and Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) variants over their lifecycle, driven by demand in emerging civil markets worldwide. These efforts emphasize the LCH's localized enhancements, including Korean-developed and manufacturing, to appeal to operators seeking cost-effective, regionally produced alternatives. As of November 2025, however, no confirmed international operators exist, with initial deliveries limited to domestic South Korean users; the first production LCH was handed over to Gloria Aviation in October 2022 for operations on . The obtained amended type certification from the (EASA) in October 2020, enabling potential entry into European civil markets, though broader adoption hinges on securing additional international validations and navigating competition from established H155 operators.

Specifications

General characteristics

The KAI Light Civil Helicopter (LCH) is designed for a of one or two pilots, with a passenger capacity of up to 15 or equivalent cargo load in its baseline civil configuration. The helicopter features a compact length of 12.7 m and a main rotor of 12.6 m, contributing to its maneuverability for civil operations such as and emergency services. Its overall height measures 4.35 m, optimizing it for operations in confined areas. In terms of weights, the LCH has an empty weight of 2,618 kg, allowing for substantial flexibility. The fuel capacity stands at 1,011 kg (usable), supporting extended missions without frequent refueling. The is 4,919.6 kg, enabling it to carry full loads under standard conditions. It is powered by two Arriel 2C2 engines, each delivering 943 shaft horsepower.
CharacteristicSpecification
Crew1–2 pilots
CapacityUp to 15 passengers or equivalent
Fuselage length12.7 m
Main rotor diameter12.6 m
Height4.35 m
Empty weight2,618 kg
Fuel capacity (usable)1,011 kg
4,919.6 kg
Engines2 × Arriel 2C2, 943 shp each

Performance

The KAI Light Civil Helicopter (LCH) exhibits flight performance characteristics optimized for civil applications, including transport, , and search-and-rescue operations in diverse environments. In its certified civil configuration at , the LCH achieves a maximum speed of 265 km/h and a cruise speed of 245 km/h, enabling efficient point-to-point travel. The helicopter's operational range extends to 857 km with standard fuel tanks, supporting missions requiring moderate distances without frequent refueling. reaches up to 4.2 hours, facilitating prolonged loiter or transit tasks while maintaining safety margins. Its service ceiling of 4,600 m and of 360 m/min allow effective operations at moderate altitudes, with a hover ceiling in ground effect (IGE) of 2,145 m. Disk loading and power-to-weight ratios have been refined through indigenous development efforts to enhance performance in hot-and-high conditions, common in civil operations across varied terrains. These attributes, derived from the baseline Airbus H155 platform with Korean modifications, ensure reliable hover and climb capabilities under demanding environmental loads. All specified metrics pertain to the civil variant at maximum takeoff weight of 4,920 kg.
Performance MetricValue
Maximum speed265 km/h
Cruise speed245 km/h
Range (standard fuel)857 km
EnduranceUp to 4.2 hours
Service ceiling4,600 m
Rate of climb360 m/min
Hover ceiling IGE2,145 m

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.