A real-size model of Korea's next-generation transport helicopter will be on display at an air show that opens in Seongnam, south of Seoul, this week, the defense procurement agency said Monday (Oct. 15).

It would be the first time for the form and interior of the chopper, still under development, to be unveiled to the public.

Korea launched the development program, code-named "Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH)," in June last year, with an aim of producing a prototype in 2009 and starting mass-production in 2012.

The helicopter, suited for the Korean Army's operational requirements, is to replace the aging fleet of UH-1Hs and 500 MDs.

"We are confident that the KUH will draw keen attention from the world's aerospace experts attending the air show," said Lt.

Commander Park Seong-su, a spokesman for the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). The air show is to begin on Tuesday for a six-day run at a military base in Seongnam, just south of Seoul.

The dark green model with flesh-colored stripes has the same form and interior as the chopper to be developed, he added.

Under the 1.3-trillion-won ($1.38 billion) program, Korea aims to produce 245 advanced transport helicopters. The DAPA also expects exports of the envisioned helicopters, each priced at around 15 billion won.

The 14.7-meter helicopter can carry two gunners and nine other troops, along with two pilots.

The Army has called for the production of attack choppers along with the ongoing development of transport and liaison helicopters under a program code-named "Korean Helicopter Project." But the attack chopper project has been postponed indefinitely due to budget strains.