Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) said on April 5 that it successfully conducted an "engine run" ground test that would be the first to operate the engine of the LAH (Light Armed Helicopter) first prototype.
The engine run will proceed for about two weeks as the final stage of the ground test to confirm that all systems, including power transmission systems, flight control, fuel, fuel pressure and electrical systems, operate normally while the engine is running.
The LAH will complete the ground test and enter the flight test stage in earnest.
Since it began developing LAH in June 2015, KAI has completed basic design in August 2016 and detailed design in November 2017, unveiled the first prototype last December and conducted ground tests since January this year to ensure the safety of its key systems.
The first flight will be possible within the first half of this year after confirming whether the flight is possible through the First Flight Readiness Review (FFRR).
After about three years of flight testing by August 2022, it will get judgment whether it is combat-compatible and aims to complete the system development in November.
Expressing thanks to all the officials who have worked together to ensure the success of the LAH engine run, KAI said, "We will also thoroughly and completely carry out the flight tests to repay the expectations of the military and the people."
