AirAsia Pacific

South Korean Marineon Attack Helicopter Prototype Takes Maiden Flight

South Korea has completed the initial flight of its MAH Marineon amphibious assault helicopter prototype in Sacheon, Gyeongnam.

The milestone is part of a 438-billion Korean won ($307 million) contract awarded to Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in 2022 to build a new attack helicopter for the Republic of Korea Marine Corps.

The prototype is based on the company’s MUH-1 Marineon amphibious and KUH-1 Surion transport helicopters, both of which are currently in service with the force.

Seoul’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) noted that the trial will be followed by a full-scale flight test to further evaluate the aircraft’s functions and safety for future missions.

Additional development of the MAH Marineon will now begin, according to the government agency, with KAI expected to finalize the phase by the second half of 2026.

Once completed, the platform will be paired with the MUH-1 Marineon, protecting its predecessor during enemy raids and performing fire support missions upon ground unit request.

The Marine Utility Helicopter
The MUH-1 Marineon Marine Utility Helicopter. Image: Korea Aerospace Industries

“Through the amphibious attack helicopter project, we expect to strengthen the Marine Corps’ air fire support capabilities as well as its ability to prepare for enemy surprise attacks in the northwestern 5-degree region,” DAPA Helicopter Business Head Brig. Gen. Koh Hyung-seok stated.

“We will carry out the remaining development schedule without a hitch and successfully complete the development.”

KAI’s MAH Marineon

The MAH Marineon measures 20 meters (66 feet) long and has the capacity for up to 15 troops, including two pilots.

It is powered by two General Electric/Hanwha Aerospace turboshaft engines with 1,855 horsepower each

The helicopter’s base weapons are 7.52-millimeter machine guns and a Mistral air-to-air missile system.

MAH Marineon has a top speed of 142 knots (263 kilometers/163 miles), a range of over 800 kilometers (497 miles), and an operational altitude of 4,500 meters (14,764 feet).

In 2022, DAPA revealed that another variant of the base MUH-1 Marineon hull will be constructed to support the Republic of Korea Navy’s mine countermeasure operations.

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