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IDEX 2023: KAI showcases developmental tiltrotor UAV

23rd February 2023 - 18:00 GMT | by Matty Todhunter in Abu Dhabi

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The NI-500VT tiltrotor UAS showcased by KAI at IDEX 2023. (Photo: author)

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is showcasing two developmental uncrewed platforms at IDEX 2023, the Night Intruder 500 Vectored Thurst (NI-500VT) and Air Launched Effect (ALE).

The NI-500VT, represented by a 1:3 scale model at IDEX 2023, is powered by an electric and gasoline hybrid propulsion system. According to documentation on the KAI stand, the tiltrotor aircraft has a 4.3m wingspan, 450kg MTOW and up to 5h endurance. 

A KAI representative told Shephard that the platform is being developed to host ISR payloads, but other payloads could also be fitted to the platform as its development progressed. 

He added that two technical demonstrator units are being tested and that the drone’s development path will take another five years. KAI first showcased the UAV in a promotional video during ADEX

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Matty Todhunter

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Matty Todhunter


Matty Todhunter is the Air Desk Lead & Senior UAV Analyst for Defence Insight. He won …

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