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The KUH-1 Surion series helicopters currently primarily used in South Korea are developed based on the Eurocopter AS532 Cougar as their original design. However, while the original model was equipped with the Makila engine, the Surion had its engine changed to the T-700 series engine used in the Black Hawk.
However, because the engine was not properly compatible with Airbus's existing power transmission system, resulting in reduced output, the military signed a contract with KAI in 2021 for a project to upgrade and localize the power transmission system.
Previously, SNT Heavy Industries attempted to develop the main gearbox but failed, leading to full reliance on foreign imports. KAI has selected Italy's Avio Aero as a partner for joint development. The intellectual property rights for the main gearbox following this joint development will belong to South Korea.
Through this upgrade, the input-to-output speed reduction ratio of the KUH-1 Surion main gearbox will increase from the existing 4:1 to 5:1, leading to an overall 25% increase in speed. The existing French-imported gearbox limits the power output to 19,200 pounds.
However, the domestic production of the gearbox will enable the T700-701K engine output to be increased to 22,000 pounds.
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The project is being conducted in a total of three phases, which are as follows: