Korean Air and Boeing (Insitu) are coming together to develop an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The Korean aviation leader has signed a memorandum of understanding with Insitu, a subsidiary of Boeing that indulges in manufacturing unmanned aircraft systems. The two companies aim to better prepare for future mobility demand. The project will have the development of a lightweight and modularized tactical vertical take-off and landing unmanned vehicle.
Insitu will be technically supporting the joint venture to create a lightweight (VTOL) UAV. According to a report shared by the company, the project will be picked up for the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition.
The statement was made public on Friday. It stated, “We expect a synergy effect by combining Korean Air’s expertise in UAV production and Insitu’s advanced UAV technologies such as system optimization and manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) operations.”
The US-based firm Insitu also works on San Eagle, a small, low-alt AUV that typically has small endurance. U.S.Department of Defense for reconnaissance uses these AUVs developed by Insitu.
Korean Air looks forward to using the expertise of Insitu’s UAV development and production technologies. It includes a high performance of the mission equipment, system optimization, and manned-unmanned teaming(MUM-T) operations. Such functioning allows troops to conduct operations with better monitoring, intelligence, and awareness of the surroundings.
At present, Korean Air owns various Unmanned Aerial Vehicles with hybrid drones and high-performing strategic helicopters. It also has a next-gen stealth UAV and tiltrotor UAV.
Apart from the aforementioned lineups, the South Korean aerospace industry leader also deals with some advanced UAVs that is known for lift cruises. These are called “KUS-VS.” These UAVs take the help of independent thrusters for cruise and lift to enable cruising speeds and VTOL.
While Insitu helps with the technical aspects of the project, Korean Air will be using its knowledge and experience in managing the air traffic. Besides, the company will ensure that the transportation service industry is accelerating with innovations coming its way. With this, the company sees greater opportunities in future urban air mobility. An ecosystem that is underway crucial developments.
