Korea to test Unmanned Little Bird
The Republic of Korea Armed Forces will initiate a six-month flight test programme with Boeing’s Unmanned Little Bird (ULB) by the end of 2014, it has emerged.
According to Boeing executives, the flight test will utilise a single, converted MD-500 optionally piloted vehicle (OPV) in collaboration with local partner Korea Air Aerospace Division (KAL-ASD).
The RoK is understood to own 257 MD-500 helicopters which are currently used as trainers and reconnaissance platforms and could be converted into OPVs. KAL-ASD assembled ROKA MD 500s from 1976 to 1987 under license from Boeing heritage companies Hughes Helicopters and McDonnell Douglas.
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