Boeing [BA] recently said it demonstrated affordable unmanned aircraft technology with its Unmanned Little Bird (ULB) demonstrator that could be integrated onto South Korean Army MD 500 helicopters to expand the fleet’s mission capabilities.
The ULB demonstrator, a variant of the successful MD 500 helicopter, autonomously flew for approximately 25 minutes at the South Korean Aviation School in Nonsan.
The ULB is one of a series of light helicopters developed by Boeing based on the MH-6 Little Bird and MD 500 family that includes the AH-6I. An AH-6 demonstrator recently took part in a voluntary armed aerial scout flight demonstration for a potential U.S. Army program. A ULB variant in July completed 15 autonomous missions off the coast of Florida landing and taking off from a ship during sea trials.
The demonstration showcased proven pilotless capabilities available for integration onto rotorcraft to support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), resupply and other missions.
Korean Air supported transportation of the ULB for the demonstration. Korea Air Aerospace Division (KAL-ASD) assembled South Korean MD 500s from 1976 to 1987 under license from Boeing heritage companies Hughes Helicopters and McDonnell Douglas. KAL delivered approximately 500 MD 500s to Hughes Helicopters, opening the Korean aircraft export market.
“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,” said Joseph Song, vice president and managing director for Boeing’s defense, space and security business in South Korea.
KAL-ASD provides design, manufacturing, marketing and maintenance products and services for aircraft, satellites and launch vehicles. Beginning with wing parts for the 747 in 1986, KAL now manufactures parts across the Boeing Commercial Airplanes family of aircraft. As part of the Boeing Commercial Aviation Services worldwide network, the division provides spare parts for fleet maintenance around the globe. KAL-ASD also provides spares and related parts handling services for the South Korean Air Force’s E737 Airborne Early Warning & Control Peace Eye aircraft.
Boeing’s relationship with South Korea dates back more than 60 years. The company employs nearly 190 highly skilled workers in several cities. In 2011, Boeing procured goods and services worth more than $250 million from nearly 20 Korean companies, maintaining Korea’s position in the top quartile of nations with which Boeing does business.