Boeing Shows Unmanned Helo Tech to Korea

By Brett Davis



Boeing has demonstrated unmanned systems technologies to South Korea that it says could be integrated onto the Korean army’s MD 500 helicopters.

Boeing used its Unmanned Little Bird demonstrator, a variant of the MD 500. The ULB flew for about 25 minutes late last week at the army’s aviation school in Nonsan.

“The demonstration showcased proven pilotless capabilities available for integration onto rotorcraft to support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, resupply and other missions,” Boeing says.

Korea Air’s aerospace division assembled MD 500s from 1976 to 1987 under license from Hughes Helicopters and McDonnell Douglas, now both part of Boeing.

"Boeing and KAL continue to build on a history of collaboration to offer our customers innovative solutions, grow new business, and expand Korea's aerospace and defense industry capabilities," says Joseph Song, vice president and managing director for Boeing's defense, space and security business in the Republic of Korea.