Korean UAVs rise to the fore at Seoul ADEX
A screengrab showing KAI’s concept for the tiltrotor NI-500VT unmanned aircraft. (KAI)
South Korea is one of the leading innovators in UAVs in Asia, with different concepts on display at Seoul ADEX 2021.
Two South Korean firms, in particular, are heavily involved in developing and manufacturing larger-sized UAVs for South Korea’s military – Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Korean Air Aerospace Division – and both were present at the Seoul ADEX exhibition held from 19-24 October.
Starting with KAI, one promotional video highlighted the NI-500VT tiltrotor UAV. It has four rotors, two tiltrotors on swivelling nacelles like the Osprey, and two more rotors on a shallow V-shaped tail. All four rotors spin during take-offs and landings, but the rear rotors spool down for horizontal flight.
The engine is mounted mid-fuselage. Fitted with
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Eastern European helicopter modernisation could open doors for Western manufacturers]()
Eastern European helicopter modernisation could open doors for Western manufacturers
With some Eastern European countries already upgrading their helicopter fleets to incorporate Western technology, the region presents potential future opportunities for defence companies.
-
![UK E-7 Wedgetail delay down to a “technology issue”, as MoD grapples with slipping timelines]()
UK E-7 Wedgetail delay down to a “technology issue”, as MoD grapples with slipping timelines
The first of three E-7 Wedgetail aircraft, originally ordered in 2019, is now expected to be delivered to the RAF this year after multiple “difficulties”.
-
![Forecast $21.9 billion light attack and trainer opportunities up for grabs as Leonardo lines up M-346]()
Forecast $21.9 billion light attack and trainer opportunities up for grabs as Leonardo lines up M-346
The M-346 stands as a potential contender for various countries facing impending capability gaps due to ageing trainer aircraft, while it could also be selected as a cost-effective light fighter aircraft.
-
![US Air Force seeks capabilities to improve C3 for aircraft fleet and warfighters]()
US Air Force seeks capabilities to improve C3 for aircraft fleet and warfighters
The USAF published RFIs for enhancing its C3 capabilities after losing, in Operation Epic Fury, four aircraft in non-confrontational, unclear situations that could have been related to command, control and communication failures.
