The South Korean upgrade effort for ROK Army and Air Force ‘Black Hawk’ helicopters is slated to begin shortly. The UH/HH-60 helicopters currently in service with the Army (UH-60) and Air Force (HH-60) are special operations helicopters and will receive performance improvements to evolve into a multi-role platform capable of adapting to future battlefield environments.
Korean Air, which formed a consortium with LIG Nex1 and Collins Aerospace for the upgrade was announced as the preferred bidder earlier this year in April. A total of 36 UH-60s are planned to be modernised with the upgrade effort slated to result in the deployment of the first upgraded UH/HH-60 helicopters from 2029.
The UH/HH-60 performance improvement project that will cost a total of KRW 994.3 billion to replace the existing helicopter's analog cockpit with a digital cockpit equipped with electronic maps and multi-function displays, along with the installation of new survival and navigation/communication equipment.
On completion of the upgrade effort ROK Army and Air Force UH/HH-60 helicopters will feature a digital cockpit, automatic hovering, and obstacle warning systems, which will significantly reduce pilot workload and enhance their situational awareness. A Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) and an integrated survival management computer will also be installed that will enhance the type’s survivability during special operations and significantly enhance the Army's airborne infiltration capabilities and the Air Force's search and rescue capabilities.
Korean Air, LIG Nex1 and Collins Aerospace will also work together to increase the localization of the fleet through import substitution. Over 50 components are expected to be developed locally for the upgrade. Korean Air produced the UH-60 under license from 1991 to 1999, deploying over 130 aircraft. It continues to perform depot maintenance, partial performance improvements, and modifications.
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