At the ADEX-2021 exhibition, the South Korean KAI Corporation presented a full-size mock-up of a promising Marine Attack Helicopter capable of using multifunctional MUM-T UAVs.
At the ADEX-2021 exhibition held in Seoul, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) lifted the veil over the Marine Attack Helicopter (MAH) — a new version of the Marineon helicopter, which, in turn, became the development of the KUH-1 Surion. MAH was selected for the role of an attack helicopter for the Marine Corps of the Republic of Korea in April of this year.
MAH is a fairly large machine capable of using a wide arsenal of weapons. Among other things, it will be able to carry containers containing MUM-T UAVs capable of providing Marine Attack Helicopter with high capabilities.
MAH. |
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The UAV layout was shown in an expanded form next to the MAH helicopter. The drone was also demonstrated on the combat helicopter itself: in total, four launchers for MUM-T were installed on the mock-up. As stated in KAI, the UAV will provide capabilities similar to those provided by American aerial launch vehicles. It is assumed that pilots and personnel on the ground will be able to communicate with the drone.
MAH. |
Source: ©navalnews |
MUM-T will be available in four different configurations, each of which is designed for one type of mission, including reconnaissance, electronic warfare and strikes against various targets. MUM-T will be able to fly for two hours and reach a maximum speed of 150 kilometers per hour. A total of 17 MUM-T launchers can be installed on the MAH helicopter. At the same time, the requirements for the helicopter itself have not yet been fully formulated.
MUM-T. |
Source: ©navalnews |
Taking into account the development of anti-aircraft weapons, they are increasingly talking about the need to re-equip attack helicopters, since the old anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) they no longer provide the necessary range of destruction.
Recall that this year the Americans [...] tested an AH-64E Apache attack helicopter armed with an Israeli Spike NLOS missile. During them, it was possible to hit a vessel located about 32 kilometers from the launch site.
As for Russia, it relies on the new missile "Product-305", which is significantly larger than the existing ATGMs.
As it became known in May, one Mi-28NM attack helicopter will be able to take up to four Product-305 missiles. In addition, a new version of the Ka-52 — Ka-52M will be able to use the novelty. The Russian army may receive the first such vehicles next year.