With the new Smart Unmanned Air Vehicle, Korea has succeeded in becoming the second country in the world to develop tilt-rotor aircraft technology. The SUAV, developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute over nine years with government support, is capable of vertical takeoff and landing like a helicopter but can fly much faster. It will be used not only for military purposes but also to detect and extinguish forest fires and to monitor traffic, weather and environmental conditions.

KARI and the Ministry of Knowledge Economy showed images of the aircraft in flight at a presentation held November 30. The show drew about 200 people—military personnel, aviation experts, and members of the general public. MKE and KARI plan to carry out further tests to verify the vehicle’s maximum speed, endurance and operational range as well as its ability to avoid collisions.

This milestone is the outcome of intensive research and development to advance Korea’s avionics, data-link and flight control technologies. It proves that Korea is ready to enter the lucrative and growing international unmanned air vehicle market.