Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI), a leading South Korean manufacturer of both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, has announced a significant partnership with Australian aerial firefighting specialists, Helitak. This collaboration is set to deliver advanced aerial spray and firefighting systems for KAI’s KUH-01 helicopter, a heavy-lift platform designed for both civilian and military use.
KAI’s product portfolio spans a wide range, from two-seat training aircraft to cutting-edge 5th-generation fighter jets. In the rotorcraft segment, the company produces the Light Armed Helicopter (LAH), based on the Airbus 365, as well as the KUH-01, derived from the AS332 Puma. The KUH-01 has seen success across various sectors, and this latest development aims to enhance its versatility in emergency response roles.
Recognizing the growing demand for multipurpose helicopters, KAI secured contracts with several government agencies in South Korea. These contracts call for KUH helicopters equipped with specialized aerial spray systems and advanced firefighting equipment. To meet the strict design and performance requirements for these systems, KAI launched an extensive consultation process with potential suppliers.
After months of careful consideration, KAI selected Helitak, a company renowned for its high-performance helicopter firefighting systems. The decision followed several in-depth meetings between KAI’s design teams and Helitak’s management at their headquarters in Queensland, Australia.
These meetings focused on ensuring that the systems Helitak would develop could fully meet the operational needs of KAI’s clients.
The success of these discussions culminated in a final meeting in Australia from October 9th to 11th, 2023, during which KAI management and representatives from the end-users finalized the design. The two companies signed formal contracts, marking the beginning of a long-term collaboration.
Under this agreement, Helitak will design and manufacture two key systems for the KUH platform: a fixed belly tank aerial spray system and a 3,000-liter firefighting system. The first deliveries of these systems are scheduled for early 2025, with additional deliveries planned through 2027.
This partnership is expected to significantly expand the KUH-01’s capabilities, further establishing KAI as a major player in the global aerospace and defense markets. For Helitak, the contract represents an important milestone as the company continues to innovate and expand its presence in the international firefighting and aerial operations sector.
The collaboration between KAI and Helitak showcases the increasing importance of specialized systems in modern helicopter design, ensuring that platforms like the KUH-01 can meet the evolving demands of both civilian and military operations.
