S.Korea's Light Civil Helicopter Makes First Flight

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has announced that the first flight ground test of the LCH's (Light Civil Helicopter's) second prototype has been completed.

The LCH showed off its first flight performances for about 20 minutes after take-off, vindicating its flight safety, KAI said in a statement on December 5.

The first prototype, manufactured by Airbus, completed its maiden flight in July 2018. The rotorcraft is expected to receive EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) certificate in September 2020.

Development of the new helicopter, based on the H155B1, began in June 2015. It has been built by KAI in accordance with Airbus' requirements. The chopper can be utilized for firefighting, police, coast guard, forest agency operations, VIP transport, etc.