Gyundoan-Han GH-28 Ppulsoeori

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GH-28 "Ppulsoeori"
GH-28 ppulsoeori topcard.png
The multipurpose GH-28DJR in ASW and gunship configurations
Role ASW helicopter (-N and -R)
National origin Letnia/Menghe
Manufacturer Gyundoan-Han Helicopter Factory
First flight 1979
Introduction 1981
Status In service
Primary user Menghean Navy
Produced 1980–present

The Gyundoan-Han GH-28 (Formal designation: 균도안-한 28호 직승기 / 균도안-恨 二八號 直升機, Gyundoan-Han ipal-ho Jiksŭnggi, "Gyundoan-Han No.28 Helicopter;" Short designation 균한-28 Gyuhan-ipal "GH-28"), also known by the nickname Ppulsoeori (뿔쇠오리, "crested murrelet"), is a utility helicopter family used by the Menghean Navy from the 1970s to the present day. It has been built in troop transport, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime search and rescue variants.

Design and development

In 1975, the Democratic People's Republic of Menghe purchased two Kamov Ka-27 helicopters from Letnia as competitors in a procurement search for the Menghean People's Navy. Though satisfied with most aspects of the design, MPN representatives requested that changes be made to suit their needs, resulting in substantial modifications to the body of the helicopter. While design work was underway, Gyundoan-Han negotiated a license agreement for the Ka-27's Klimov TV3-117 turbine engine and transmission, but did not negotiate a license for the Ka-27 itself. When the GH-28 was unveiled in 1978, its existence fed international debate over whether it had been illegally copied from the Ka-27 airframe, with Gyundoan-Han insisting that all aiframe parts apart from the powerplant and rotor set are of independent design and not subject to patent restrictions.

Like the Ka-27, the GH-28 uses a coaxial rotor configuration, which eliminates the need for a tail rotor to counteract rotational torque. Once the helicopter has landed, service crews can fold the rotor blades back over the top of the fuselage, further reducing its storage space. A twin rotor also gives the GH-28 a relatively good power-to-weight ratio, allowing it to carry heavy sensor equipment (in its anti-submarine variants) or a large cargo payload (in its utility variants), and more stable handling in hover and descent, good for landing on a moving ship.

The GH-28 was originally ordered in two variants. The first, variant "G," was a dedicated troop transport and utility airframe, with a roomy passenger compartment and no dedicated ground-attack electronics apart from the pilot's holographic rocket sight. The second, variant "N," was a dedicated anti-submarine warfare platform, with a dipping sonar, sea-search radar, and external hardpoints for sonobuoy racks or torpedoes. It also had room for two additional crew members who were tasked with monitoring the submarine-search electronics.

Over the decades that followed, Menghe introduced a large number of new variants, spanning the anti-submarine, search and rescue, troop transport, and gunship roles. Major changes began after 2002, when a new family of GH-28 helicopters emerged, beginning with the GH-28SN. These models featured new engines, a revised cockpit with side doors, and integration with new datalink standards. These models also brought about a change in designation practices: rather than consonants in the order of the Sinmun alphabet (G,N,D,R,M), subsequent models first have 1-2 letters denoting their role, followed by suffix letters denoting their generation. For example, the GH-28DJR is the fourth major iteration ("R") of the anti-submarine model (DJ, dae-jamsuham).

Differences with Ka-27

Though the GH-28 is often described as a "clone" of the Kamov Ka-29, the two helicopters have a number of external differences due to Gyundoan and Han's modifications to the airframe. Notable external differences, useful for spotting and identification, include:

  • The entire body is widened to match the cockpit, in contrast to the Ka-29, which becomes narrower near the hardpoint supports.
  • The rudders and vertical stabilizers are more angular.
  • On early transport variants, the door to the passenger compartment slides rearward on rails, rather than opening in an up-down clamshell layout.
  • On variants after 2002, the door to the pilot's compartment opens on a hinge rather than a rail.
  • The window behind the pilot/copilot door windows is larger and slopes upward on the lower edge, somewhat resembling the windows on the Demirkan-Yŏng'an DY-11.
  • On most variants, the external arms stores have one hardpoint per side rather than two.
  • The antennas and radomes under the tail boom are different, though they vary between models.
  • On most variants, the nose is slightly longer and rounder.

Variants

A comprehensive list of GH-28 variants in Menghean military and paramilitary service. Note that military SAR models bear the insignia of the Menghean Red Manja Society.
GH-28G
Original troop transport and general utility version, which made its first flight in 1978.
GH-28N
Original anti-submarine warfare version from 1981. Features a nose-mounted sea search radar and a dipping sonar at the base of the tail, but no magnetic anomaly detector. The troop compartment is taken up by an electronics and instruments room, and the total crew is increased to six, with no space for passengers. Two external hardpoints are fitted; typically, one would carry a torpedo, and one would carry a rack of sonobuoys.
GH-28D
Dedicated search-and-rescue variant introduced in 1984. Generally similar to the GH-28G, it differs most visibly in the layout of the landing gear: the wheels are surrounded by inflatable floats, allowing the helicopter to land directly on the surface of the ocean. A small winch assembly over each sliding side door allows a rope or stretcher to be lowered into the water. No external hardpoints are fitted.
GH-28M
Airborne early warning variant with a large air- and surface-search radar mounted under the fuselage. In transit, the array is stored flush against the lower hull to reduce drag and allow landing. The array can be deployed when the helicopter is in a stable hovering position with calm to moderate winds. This function allows ship formations without land- or carrier-based fixed-wing AEW assets to more effectively track aircraft, missiles, and surface targets beyond the horizon. First flown in 1998.
GH-28SN
A new transport and utility model introduced in 2002. It sports new turbine engines designed by Taesan, resulting in increased power, reliability, and fuel efficiency. The avionics are all improved, including a surface search and navigation radar in the nose. No external hardpoints are fitted, but a power winch above each door allows faster deployment and recovery of personnel from a hovering position.
GH-28HJN
A search-and-rescue variant introduced in 2003. It is effectively a GH-28SN with remotely-aimed searchlights on either side of the nose, along with a few minor changes to the avionics and communications equipment, and stretcher mountings inside the passenger compartment.
GH-28M1
Designation for GH-28M AEW helicopters refitted to communicate with the datalink family used on the new generation of Menghean warships. All GH-28M helicopters in service were retrofitted to this standard in 2002-2004.
GH-28SN1
Designation for GH-28SN helicopters with braces for pintle-mounted weapons outside each sliding door. These can support GCh-77 or GCh-96 machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, or rotary machine guns. First seen in 2004.
GH-28DJN
An improved anti-submarine warfare variant, originally planned for introduction in 2001 but delayed until 2005. It was developed alongside the GH-28SN, and incorporates many of the same improvements, including the new Taesan engines for increased payload and speed. It features a new surface search radar in a redesigned nose cone, an electro-optical sight on top of the cockpit, and a towed magnetic anomaly detector which is stored under the tail when not in use. The rear fuselage section at the base of the tail is redesigned to accommodate a new type of dipping sonar. A total of 12 sonobuoys are carried in external boxes mounted on either side of the rear fuselage. The rear landing gear struts were redesigned to be further back, allowing the hardpoints to carry the longer YŎ-35/2 torpedo.
GH-28SGN
A "transport-gunship" (susong-gonggyŏk) version of the GH-28, introduced in 2006. It has two hardpoints per side, and uses vertical clamshell doors rather than sliding doors for access to the passenger compartment. The rapelling motors are retained. The pilot's position is equipped with a simple holographic sight, allowing the aiming of rocket pods and machine gun or cannon pods, but there are no provisions for controlling guided weapons.
GH-28MH
Dedicated civil aviation model based on the GH-28SN, but with an all-glass nose for greater visibility. It was designed to assist in construction work over land, where its coaxial rotor and high power make it useful for carrying heavy loads and depositing them delicately. Previously, a small number of GH-28G airframes had been used for this role.
GH-28SGD
An improved transport-gunship model, the GH-28SGD has redesigned pylons and flight controls, and an electro-optical sensor unit containing visual and infrared cameras and a laser designator. The copilot's station is equipped with a multi-function display linked to this camera, allowing the copilot (or weapon systems operator) to inspect targets or designate targets for laser-guided missiles. First unveiled in 2010.
GH-28SN2
GH-28SN (gunship with machine gun pintles) fitted with chaff and flare ejectors, which were added to the GH-28SGD. Introduced in 2011.
GH-28YoS
Dedicated VIP transport variant with a redesigned interior featuring an upholstered interior, noise-proofing and insulation, and an enclosed washroom in the rear. Furnished with cushioned seats and fold-out tables. Stub wings similar to those of the GH-28SGD, but with the inner hardpoint pair removed and the outer pair plumbed, allow the mounting of drop tanks to extend the helicopter's range. It is theoretically possible to mount bombs, rocket pods, or other weapons to these hardpoints, but the cockpit controls do not support their aiming or firing, apart from an emergency drop tank release switch. Introduced in 2012 to commemmorate the 25th anniversary of the Decembrist Revolution, the GH-28YoS was initially believed to be a one-off personal transport for Choe Sŭng-min, but it was later revealed to be part of a small production run, meant to serve other top naval officers as well. Several GH-28YoS airframes were also produced for civilian buyers, some of them with custom changes to the interior. Typically, GH-28YoS helicopters are stationed permanently at naval bases on shore and flown out to ships at sea when necessary, but on special cruises they may be stored in a ship's hangar in lieu of one of her other helicopters.
GH-28SD
Improved cargo transport variant with uprated engines, redesigned landing gear, and stub wings similar to those of the GH-28YoS. The stub wings are well-reinforced and have two hardpoints per side, and although they were initially believed to be exclusively for mounting range-extending fuel tanks, from 2017 onward the Menghean Navy has been widely documented using the GH-28SD's external hardpoints to transport payload options (such as batches of four torpedoes per flight) as cargo. Introduced in 2013 as a possible ship's helicopter for what would become the Anchungang-class fast combat support ships, which ended up being designed for the new Gyundoan-Han GH-36 Mulsuri instead, the GH-28SD replaced the GH-28SN on the Yŏngjŏnggang-class replenishment ships and can also be found at some coastal naval bases around the Namhae Front.
GH-28TN
A specially-modified version of the GH-28, evidently manufactured outside the main Gyundoan-Han factory as custom refits of new GH-28SD airframes between 2016 and 2019. Their under-wing hardpoints are wired to support a variety of sensor pods, and their cargo/passenger hold is fitted with computers, recording devices, and seats for sensor operators. An estimated six units exist, serving the four Plan 1781 intelligence ships, plus at least two on land as spares. On occasion they have been seen operating from other Menghean ships, including ships of the Menghean Maritime Security Force, leading to speculation that more than six airframes may exist. They are typically painted to resembled other GH-28 models.
GH-28DJD
An improved anti-submarine model introduced in 2015. It has the same surface search radar as the GH-28DJN, but a new electo-optical sensor under the left side of the nose, as well as streamlined hardpoints and rear landing gear units. A total of 20 sonobuoys are carried in a recessed grid array which fires them out of the right side of the rear fuselage. These combined changes reduce drag on the airframe, increasing its speed and range, and the dipping sonar is reportedly a newer model with greater range and sensitivity. Crew of 5.
GH-28HJD
A search-and-rescue variant ordered by the Menghean Maritime Patrol Force in 2012, entering service in 2016. It incorporates improved search equipment, namely the nose radar and electro-optical sight of the GH-28DJD. Ostensibly, these changes were meant to improve its ability to locate and identify life rafts, smuggler craft, and small vessels in distress, but they also enable it to serve as a reconnaissance and possibly target designation platform in wartime. It is unarmed, with neither sport stub wings nor pylons, and does not carry a dipping sonar, provisions for sonobuoys, or a magnetic anomaly detector.
GH-28GJN
An improved airborne early warning variant which entered service in 2016. Compared with the GH-28M, it features improved signal processing equipment. Externally, it can be identified by its forward landing gear, which are spaced more widely than on other models.
GH-28SGD1
GH-28SGD with air-mixing exhaust shrouds to mask its infrared signature, reducing its likelihood of being shot down by man-portable air defense systems. Introduced in 2016.
GH-28DJR
The latest major anti-submarine variant, the GH-28DJR features a cylindrical radome underneath the fuselage, flanked by redesigned forward landing gear. The nose contains a larger and more powerful electro-optical unit. The sonobuoy array is lengthened forward with an additional column of five tubes, bringing total capacity to 25, and the stub wings feature additional positions on the upper corners to mount air-to-air missile tubes (typically a YDG-38) to engage targets of opportunity or provide some defense against enemy fighters. Because the electronics on this model are more compact, there is also space inside the fuselage for four passengers (or seven if the sonar operator seats are also used) and mechanized rope lifts are installed. Machine gun pintles can also be mounted on the lower side of the clamshell doors while they are open. This gives the GH-28DJR more flexibility, allowing it to serve as a personnel transport or backup search-and-rescue unit rather than a dedicated anti-submarine platform.
GH-28HJD1
Modified GH-28HJD with wire-cutters on the forward fuselage. Applied to all new and existing GH-28HJDs in Maritime Security Force service from 2021 onward; not applied to GH-28HJDs in Navy service as of late 2023.

Operators

By country

By ship class

Specifications (GH-28DJD)

GH-28DJR blueprint 2024-01-11.png

General characteristics

  • Crew: 5 (pilot, copilot, and three sensor operators)
  • Length: 12.77 m (41 ft 11 in)
  • Rotor diameter: 17.4 m (57 ft)
  • Height: 5.45 m (17 ft 10 in)
  • Disc area: 2 × 237.8 m2 (2 × 2,552 ft2)
  • Empty weight: 7,650 kg (16,870 lb)
  • Max. takeoff weight: 12,000 kg (26,500 lb)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Taesan TG45 turboshaft, 1,660 kW (2,230 hp) each

Performance

Armament

  • Hardpoints: One pylon per side. Armament options for each hardpoint include:
    • 4 YGJ-48 anti-tank/anti-ship missiles
    • 8 YDCh-17 anti-tank missiles
    • 4 YDCh-72 anti-tank missiles
    • 1 GHB-8-20 J rocket pod with twenty 80mm rockets
    • 1 GHB-14-4 J rocket pod with four 140mm rockets
    • 1 P-500 series unguided bomb
    • 1 PR-500 series depth charge
    • 1 400mm homing torpedo
    • 1 23mm gun pod
  • Additional over-wing mount for MANPADS missile tube.

Avionics

  • Surface-search radar
  • Dipping sonar
  • Trailing magnetic anomaly detector
  • 20 × sonobuoy in side ejector tube

See also

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