Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), South Korea, will conduct cold-weather testing on their light armed helicopter (LAH) at the Yellowknife Airport (YZF). Testing is expected to start on Dec. 6, 2021, depending on weather conditions, and will continue until early February 2022.
The LAH is a military aircraft currently under development by KAI. It will arrive at YZF on Friday on a massive cargo aircraft, the Antonov 124. While the LAH is an armed aircraft, it will be tested without live munitions.
This is YZF’s first cold-weather testing partnership with KAI. YZF and KAI first started collaborating in 2018 to secure this opportunity.
KAI sent 40 engineers, pilots and support staff to Yellowknife for 10 weeks which is estimated to inject two million dollars to the local economy and will benefit hotels, restaurants, car rental companies, etc. KAI also contracted Det’on Cho Logistics to coordinate the logistics for the duration of the cold-weather testing.
“This is one of many successful partnerships bringing innovation and economic opportunities to the North. As one of the best arctic cold-weather testing destinations, YZF will continue to work with private partners and leaders of the aviation industry to attract more cold-weather testing opportunities while also contributing to local economic growth and success,” said Diane Archie, Minister of Infrastructure.
This press release was prepared and distributed by the Department of Infrastructure, Government of the Northwest Territories.
