• 28 Oct 2020 09:44 PM
• 0

KARI Updates OPPAV

The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), established in 1989, is the government-funded research institute for the aerospace field in The Republic of Korea. Since 2002, KARI has developed various VTOL UAVs, such as the successful KARI tiltrotor series up to the 2,205-lb (1,000-kg) TR100. KARI’s eVTOL technology demonstrator program was launched in 2019 to develop a one-seat eVTOL demonstrator. The Optionally Piloted Personal (or Passenger) Air Vehicle (OPPAV) is based on KARI's previous VTOL UAV development experiences. Wind tunnel testing of a scaled, powered model was successfully completed in July in the KARI Low Speed Wind Tunnel (LSWT). Flight tests of a sub-scale technology demonstrator will be started by 2021. The first flight of a full-scale technology demonstrator is planned for mid-2022. Scaling this up to an operational five-seat eVTOL with the same configuration, KARI estimates it would weigh 5,500 lb (2,500 kg) and have a cruise speed of 160 kt (300 km/h). (Source: KARI)