Sunday 9 July 2017

South Korea commissions final batch of four AW159 anti-submarine helicopters


South Korea Navy commissions final batch of AW159 anti-submarine helicopters


Ridzwan Rahmat, Singapore - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

06 July 2017

South Korea has commissioned its final batch of four AW159 helicopters with anti-submarine warfare capabilities, according to a 5 July report carried by the Republic of Korea Armed Forces' KFN Defense TV .

The aircraft, which was handed over by Leonardo's Helicopter Division in November 2016, is part of an order for eight airframes under the country's Maritime Operational Helicopter project. The programme seeks to improve the Republic of Korea Navy's (RoKN's) submarine prosecution capabilities. South Korea received its first batch of four AW159s in June 2016.

According to specifications provided by Leonardo, the AW159 helicopter features a maximum take-off weight of six tonnes, a maximum range of 265 n miles (490 km), and a maximum endurance of 2 hours and 40 minutes at 6,000 ft.


The platform's suite of sensors include the Compact FLASH Sonics low-frequency, long-range dipping sonar system from Thales, and the Seaspray 7000E active electronically scanned array radar supplied by Selex. The aircraft can be armed with lightweight torpedoes, such as the K745 Cheong Sangeo (Blue Shark), and depth charges to prosecute underwater adversaries.

Source: janes.com

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