Unveiling the Phoenix Army Aviation Operations Command and Its World’s Fourth-Largest 500+ Helicopters – Part 1

The Phoenix Unit is the Army Aviation Operations Command, a functional command under the Republic of Korea Army Headquarters. It is based at Icheon Airport in Daepo-dong, Icheon City, Gyeonggi Province. It will celebrate its 25th anniversary on April 20 next month.

Since its establishment on April 20, 1999, each infantry division has had its aviation unit. However, the command structure for these units was unclear, with some units under the aviation command and others directly under the 1st Field Army Command. 2009, aviation units were reorganized, and all infantry division aviation units were disbanded. All aviation units were integrated under the aviation command, improving the army’s aviation power. It’s important to note that each aviation unit’s wartime command and mission remain unchanged.

The Army Aviation Operations Command owns large CH-47 Chinooks, UH-60, KUH-1, and other utility helicopters, as well as AH-64 Apache, AH-1S/F Cobra, 500MD, Bo-105, and other reconnaissance and attack helicopters. The small helicopters 5000MD and Bo-105, tasked with reconnaissance and attack missions, will be replaced with LAH (Light Armed Helicopter).

Next month, April 20th, marks the 25th anniversary of its establishment

The MD500 helicopter performs the mission of an attack helicopter that catches enemy tanks by carrying TOW anti-tank missiles and reconnaissance. Excluding the Apache and Surion that are currently being introduced, the overall age of the aircraft is high, and aging is severe.

The average age of the pilots in types like the Cobra is also quite high. The situation will not change easily until the next-generation power, such as the Surion or AH-64E attack helicopter, is reinforced. In addition, units under the Army Aviation Command have rotary-wing aircraft as their main equipment, and all aircraft pilots are officers and warrant officers, so naturally, there are many officers in the unit.

Some soldiers ride in aircraft, but in this case, they are crew members who support the control officers. Inside the Aviation Operations Command are drivers, supply soldiers, cooks, etc., and technical and administrative soldiers necessary for the unit’s operation in principle.

To Read Part 2…
To Read Part 3…