Electronics Package To Prevent Ice Build-up On New Korean Utility Helicopter

Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. has awarded Curtiss-Wright Corporation a contract to provide an electronics package that will provide protection against ice build-up on the engine air inlets, windshield and main and tail rotor blades on a new utility helicopter. The contract has a potential value in excess of $18 million over a 12-year period.

"Curtiss-Wright is very pleased to supply this vital technology to ensure safe helicopter flight during severe weather conditions," said Martin R. Benante, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Curtiss-Wright. "These products and systems provide industry-leading technology for enabling rotorcraft flight in known icy conditions."

As ANN reported, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Eurocopter signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in October 2007 to develop the 8 metric-ton class Korean Utility Helicopter. The joint-venture will be in operation by 2010, with first deliveries slated for 2010. The KUH is to replace Bell UH-1Hs and McDonnell Douglas 500MDs in the South Korean Army fleet.

Helicopters often need to be grounded to avoid ice build-up on rotor blades, which creates unstable flight operations. Curtiss-Wright's technology in electronic ice protection for rotorcraft includes the Rotor Ice Protection System (RIPS) as well as windshield and engine ice protection controllers. These products monitor and prevent ice from forming on all rotor blades, on the windshield and on the air intake to the engines.

Curtiss-Wright is a leading supplier of aircraft fire- and ice-protection systems.

FMI: www.curtisswright.com, www.eurocopter.com, www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rok/khp.htm