KAH-106 Bonghwang
KAH-106 Bonghwang | |
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KAH-106 Bonghwang flies over Gwangju Metropolitan City. | |
Role | Attack helicopter |
National origin | Joseon |
Manufacturer | Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. |
First flight | January 14 2006 |
Introduction | 9 April 2009 |
Status | In service |
Primary user | Royal Joseon Army |
Produced | 2006-2020 |
The Korea Aerospace Industries KAH-106 Bonghwang is a Joseon's twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear and a tandem cockpit for a crew of two. Nose-mounted sensors help acquire targets and provide night vision. It carries a 30 mm (1.18 in) KM208 chain gun under its forward fuselage and 4 hardpoints on stub-wing pylons for armament and stores, typically AGM-41 missiles and Doksa-70 rocket pods. Redundant systems help it survive combat damage.
The KAH-106 began to be developed in 2001 as the army's next-generation large attack helicopter, with the first prototype flying in 2006. Today, KAH-106 has been extensively improved to ensure its viability and diversify its role as drones expand their role on the battlefield.