Korean Air and Boeing subsidiary Insitu have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop a new lightweight, modular, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).<\/p>\n
Signed on 22 October during the 19-23 October Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition 2021 (ADEX 2021), the MOU is expected to create new synergies by combining \u201cKorean Air’s expertise in UAV development and production with Insitu’s state-of-the-art UAV technologies, including high-performance mission equipment, system optimisation, and manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) operations\u201d, according to a joint statement.<\/p>\n
Korean Air is known to be developing the Korean Unmanned System (KUS)-VS VTOL UAV, a model of which was on display at ADEX 2021. The tactical UAV will employ \u201clift & cruise\u201d technology that combines a take-off rotor and a flight rotor to enable vertical take-off and landing and high cruise speed flight, noted the company.<\/p>\n
According to information provided at the exhibition, the company plans to offer the KUS-VS as a next-generation, division-level UAV for tactical surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, and firepower guidance to meet future requirements of the Republic of Korea Army and Marine Corps.<\/p>\n
Janes\u00a0believes the recently signed MOU is also meant to support the development of the KUS-VS.<\/p>\n