80% of engines show corrosion, 66% have cracks

The domestically developed Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) Miron [Defense Acquisition Program Administration]
The domestically developed Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) Miron [Defense Acquisition Program Administration]

By Jung Yoon-hee, The Herald Business

Engine defects have been found in the Army's domestically developed Light Armed Helicopter (LAH), the Miron, prompting a grounding of the aircraft.

Corrosion was discovered in 47 of the 57 Miron helicopter engines assembled and delivered by Hanwha Aerospace, according to Yonhap News Agency and the office of People Power Party lawmaker Kang Seon-young of the National Assembly's National Defense Committee. Cracks were found in 38 of the 57 engines.

Fifteen aircraft fitted with the defective engines have been deployed to the Army Aviation School. The investigation found engine corrosion and cracks in nearly all of them.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) identified the engine problems in April and ordered the deployed aircraft grounded in May.

The Miron's engine technology was originally developed by French firm Safran; Hanwha Aerospace assembles and delivers the units.

The defects were found in the diffuser, a component that stabilizes airflow inside the engine.

The flawed process involved detailed work procedures developed in line with the original manufacturer's technical drawings. The corrosion and cracks were detected preemptively through micro-endoscope inspections introduced as part of a new safety examination method not previously in use.

"We have already begun restoration work after improving the current process," a Hanwha Aerospace official said.

The Miron is a domestically developed helicopter designed to replace the aging 500MD and Cobra (AH-1S) attack helicopters. It carries the domestically developed air-to-ground guided missile Cheongeom, among other weapons. The military plans to field more than 160 of the aircraft by 2031.

There are concerns that a prolonged disruption to engine deliveries and the flight grounding could delay the fielding schedule. Pilot training at the Army Aviation School is also expected to be affected.

DAPA said it plans to "minimize the impact on the fielding schedule by working closely with relevant agencies and the manufacturer to swiftly carry out defect repairs and follow-up measures," adding that it would "conduct a comprehensive review and strengthen the overall quality management system in light of this case."


yuni@heraldcorp.com