Korean Air delivers first fuselage for Boeing AH-6 light attack helicopter

Asia-Pacific, News June 26, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

In a landmark move, South Korea’s largest air carrier delivered the first fuselage for a Boeing AH-6 attack helicopter. Korea Air was awarded the contract in December 2021 by Boeing to manufacture the eight fuselages, the main body structure of helicopters, for delivery to the Thai Army.

Completion of a Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) contract is a major milestone for the South Korean company as it expands its business in the North American market. “Following the success of this project, Korean Air plans to collaborate with Boeing to expand its overseas sales and new aircraft development and manufacturing business in the future,” according to Korean Air.

The delivery of the AH-6 fuselage marks the culmination of one of the several contracts that Korean Air and Boeing signed during the 2021 Seoul ADEX defense show. Some of the agreements encompass helicopter upgrade work and the pioneering development of new unmanned air vehicles.

Korean Air, largely known as South Korea’s national flag carrier, has an extensive research and development as well as maintenance, repair, and operations division that focuses on integrating the latest technologies into the existing fleet as well as developing new projects.

*^{Korean Air recently delivered its first AH-6 helicopter fuselage to Boeing. (Image Credit: Korean Air)}*

After manufacturing South Korea’s first domestically produced helicopter 500MD, Korean Air emerged as a major defense contractor. Korea Air sold 309 500 MD helicopters to the Korean military, public contractors, and private companies domestically from 1977 to 1988. The national flag carrier has also exported more than 516 500MD fuselages and recently successfully carried out an unmanned 500MD project.

AH-6 Design

Boeing AH-6 is a light attack helicopter designed to be a highly maneuverable aircraft that can operate in tight places and low altitudes. Its lightweight and compact design makes it an ideal aircraft for urban combat and reconnaissance missions. The helicopter excels in high-altitude and low-altitude flying and offers impressive endurance.

Due to its compact size and maneuverability, the AH-6 fuselage manufacturing requires advanced and specialized technology for parts such as the canopy and landing gear. The AH-6 cockpit is equipped with advanced technology and designed for maximum visibility with a large windshield that provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. The cockpit is equipped with advanced technology including a digital cockpit display, night vision system, and laser designator. The combat-proven airframe design ensures high survivability, benefiting from continuous AH-64 Apache modernization.

AH-6 Technical Specifications

A typical AH-6 helicopter can be configured with different weapon packages depending on the mission requirements, making it a versatile and adaptable platform for a wide range of missions. The AH-6 carries a GAU-19/A three-barrel Gatling gun, which is mounted at the front of the helicopter. This gun can fire up to 1,300 rounds per minute and can be used to engage ground targets, vehicles, and even low-flying aircraft.