Israeli-equipped KA-32 delivered to the Korean AF.

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Grumpy Old Man
Staff member
Verified Defense Pro
(Source: Israel Aircraft Industries; issued July 20, 2004)


FARNBOROUGH --- The first Russian Kamov-32 (KA-32) helicopter, equipped with Israel Aircraft Industries' (IAI) Lahav Division avionics package, was delivered on June 22nd, 2004 to the Republic Of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) by the Korean Company LGI.

The delivery took place in a ceremony at the ROKAF's air base in Cheongju, Korea.

The helicopter is the first in a series of seven new KA-32 helicopters procured by ROKAF via LGI. The helicopter designed by the Russian Company Kamov, manufactured by the Russian helicopter manufacturing company KumAPE, and transferred to LGI's facility for customization and integration of the IAI's Lahav Division avionics suite. The following six helicopters will be delivered to ROKAF by the first half of year 2005. The helicopter will join ROKAF's other Search and Rescue helicopters.

The KA-32 combines proven platform characteristics, along with an innovative avionics system, which includes accurate navigation systems, weather and ground survey radar, and a moving digital map. A central computer and operational software integrate all systems, which provide the helicopter with advanced flight and navigation capabilities.

Operation of the helicopter is done with the assistance of color displays, which are convenient and fit with the helicopter's man-machine interface. Lahav's avionics systems provide day and night safety of flight and navigation in adverse weather conditions. The system's open architecture allows easy installation of additional mission-dedicated systems in the future.

The project is a successful cooperation between the Korean prime contractor, LGI, the Russian helicopter manufacturer, KumAPE, and IAI/Lahav, supplier of the avionics systems. Despite the complexity involved with developing, manufacturing and integrating in three countries, the companies succeeded in delivering the first helicopter within a short schedule of 14 months.

To date, more than 40 KA-32 helicopters are in service in Korea, utilized by Korean Forest Aviation and Maritime Police units. ROKAF is examining the possibility of integrating IAI's avionics systems in other types of helicopters operating in its service.

The Lahav Division of Israel Aircraft Industries specializes in upgrading military aircraft and helicopters to meet today's and tomorrow's most demanding requirements. Lahav, using the most advanced technologies and systems, upgrades a wide range of Eastern and Western military aircraft and helicopters. These upgrades provide unique solutions for enhanced capabilities and mission performance. Lahav has performed major aircraft upgrade programs for the United States Air Force, NATO air forces and other customers around the world.

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