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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Pentagon confirms it will continue with the acquisition of E-7 Wedgetails for US Air Force]()
Pentagon confirms it will continue with the acquisition of E-7 Wedgetails for US Air Force
The Pentagon has sent an amendment to the Office of Management and Budget, according to Pete Hegseth, including funds for the procurement of E-7 Wedgetails in FY2027.
-
![Ukraine fighter jet plans accelerate with Sweden and Belgian updates]()
Ukraine fighter jet plans accelerate with Sweden and Belgian updates
The country could be on the cusp of finalising an historic deal with Saab for up to 150 aircraft, with Belgium also increasing its number of donated F-16 aircraft to 53 with refreshed delivery timelines.
-
![US Air Force prepares next stage of E-3 Sentry modernisation]()
US Air Force prepares next stage of E-3 Sentry modernisation
The USAF intends to conduct the second phase of the DRAGON programme from FY2026 to FY2030, while the future of the E3 replacement remains unknown.
