Rotorcraft
Unmanned Korean MD500 Flies for the First Time
Korean Air’s Aerospace Division has modified a former armed forces helicopter to an unmanned configuration with the aim of creating an armed platform
The KUS-VH is seen during its July 30 first flight at the Korean Air Aerospace Research Institute. (photo: Korean Air)
The KUS-VH is seen during its July 30 first flight at the Korean Air Aerospace Research Institute. (photo: Korean Air)

Korean Air (KAL) successfully conducted the first flight of its unmanned MD500 light helicopter, known as the KUS-VH, on July 30. The flight lasted for around 30 minutes at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute’s aviation center, which is located in Goheung, South Jeolla Province, South Korea. Part of the inaugural flight test also saw the execution of a remote engine start, and tethered hover flight tests to validate the flight control systems.