South Korea’s sole military aircraft manufacturer Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) said on Thursday it has partnered with U.S.-based Rockwell Collins for a performance improvement program for Chinook CH-47D helicopters, the heavy troop aircraft of South Korean army and air force.

Under the partnership, the two will seek business and technology collaboration in the areas of design, remodeling and flight test in connection with performance improvement of the CH-47D.

A KAI official said the two companies will jointly participate in the bid for a CH-47D performance improvement project to be announced late this year. The R&D project to be led by a Korean company will be conducted under a license production agreement with a consortium of local and foreign companies. Ohio-headquartered Rockwell Collins is a global avionics leader.

The CH-47D performance improvement project aims to increase the operational capability of large utility helicopters in long-term operation, ensure survival and continuous operation and it requires a high level of technology similar to that of R&D, KAI said.

The CH-47D will be updated in avionics and mission equipment under the performance improvement project.

KAI and Rockwell Collins have maintained their partnership over the last 20 years through multiple projects such as T-50, KT[030200]-1, P-3CK and LAH, KFX.

By Moon Ji-woong and Minu Kim

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