[비즈한국] Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)047810 has successfully completed the maiden flight of its Marine Attack Helicopter (MAH) prototype. Based on the Surion platform, the Marine Attack Helicopter is expected to be deployed after the conclusion of its system development in the second half of 2026.
According to the defense industry, the first prototype of the Marine Attack Helicopter conducted its maiden flight for 15 minutes on December 17 of last year. After takeoff, the helicopter successfully performed hovering, forward flight, sideward flight, and left-right turns, demonstrating its performance and stability.
The MAH is slated to carry out missions such as providing cover for Marine Corps Marineon landing maneuver helicopters (MUH-1) during assaults on enemy territory and offering fire support at the request of ground troops. Following the decision in April 2022 to develop the next-generation Marine Attack Helicopter as the domestic "Marineon Armed Variant," KAI was tasked with its development and production. Approximately 450 billion won is planned to be invested in the MAH system development project until 2026, and 24 units will be delivered to the Marine Corps after development concludes.
The MAH is planned to be the first domestic helicopter equipped with air-to-air missiles to prepare for aerial combat. It will also carry weaponry including a 20mm turret-type machine gun, 2.75-inch guided/unguided rockets, and air-to-ground missiles. In particular, by carrying the domestic Cheongeom air-to-ground missile, it can execute missions to penetrate enemy air defense networks and destroy key facilities through precision strikes from a distance of 8km. Another notable feature is its design specialized for ease of operation at sea and on naval vessels. Specifically, it incorporates anti-corrosion technologies such as airframe flame retardancy and specialized designs for maritime environments, allowing for stable maneuvering even in high winds and waves.
Excellent survivability is also a key advantage. The fuselage, engine, cockpit, blades, and various systems are designed to withstand 12.7mm rounds. Additional protective capabilities have also been added for the safety of the pilot and gunner. Equipped with a domestic Countermeasure Dispensing System (CMDS) and Laser, Missile, and Radar Warning Receivers (LWR, MWR, RWR), the survivability of the occupants has been significantly enhanced.
The MAH's performance requirements were derived based on military Required Operational Capabilities (ROC), taking into account the joint capabilities and operational effects of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Since amphibious operations are conducted as joint operations among the three services—involving the Air Force securing air superiority and striking enemy bases before ground troops are deployed—the operational requirements were set with these factors in mind.
KAI plans to conduct future test flights for the Marine Attack Helicopter at the KAI Rotorcraft Flight Center in Jinju, Gyeongnam, which was completed last December. It is reported that test flights for the second prototype will begin this month, followed by the third prototype in early February.
The Jinju Rotorcraft Flight Center, where the maiden flight took place, spans approximately 41,000 pyeong and consists of a five-story building, a hangar capable of housing helicopters, and a 700-meter runway, with the capacity to operate five helicopters simultaneously.