Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd (KAI) announced on the 5th April that the company successfully performed the first engine run test of the LAH (Light Armed Helicopter) in headquarters.

The engine run test which is to be conducted while running the engines, is the last stage of the ground test to be performed to see all the systems of the helicopter work normally. The test is going to be conducted for about 2 weeks. After finishing the ground test, LAH will begin the flight test.

KAI embarked on development of the LAH in June 2015 and completed it CDR (critical design review) in November 2017. Also, last December, KAI unveiled the protype and has been conducting the ground test since January.

First flight of LAH is expected in the first half of the year if the FFRR (First Flight Readiness Review) scheduled for this month, is determined to be possible.

KAI aims to complete the development of LAH in November 2022 after about 3 years of flight tests.

'We are thankful to those who made efforts to the success of the LAH engine run. Also we will conduct the flight test perfectly.' said Executive Vice President Choi John-Ho, Head of Research & Development Division of KAI.