As tilt-rotor aircraft can fly twice as fast as a helicopter, and operate at higher altitudes, they can be used effectively for various purposes including surveillance, search and rescue, aerial reconnaissance, transportation and communication relays. (image: KARI)
SEOUL, April 14 (Korea Bizwire) – A new step in the development of Korea’s unmanned aerial vehicle technology has been reached with the introduction of a tilt-rotor drone that can take-off and land vertically like a helicopter, but is also capable of fast flight like an airplane.
On April 10, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) introduced the TR-60 tilt-rotor drone, with plans to take steps towards its commercialization starting from next year. KARI expects to commercialize the advanced drone by 2023. As there is no precedent in commercializing tilt-rotor drones, Korea is expected to occupy a position of strength in the nascent market.
As tilt-rotor aircraft can fly twice as fast as a helicopter, and operate at higher altitudes, they can be used effectively for various purposes including surveillance, search and rescue, aerial reconnaissance, transportation and communication relays.
The current incarnation of the TR-60 can fly at a maximum speed of 200km/h, with a 280km/h max speed expected for the commercial model. KARI expects the TR-60 to fly for up to 8 hours with a payload of up to 50kg by the time of its launch in 2023.
KARI also introduced the EAV-2, a solar-powered UAV that can fly at altitudes of up to 10km for 25 hours.
By Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
