Boeing demos unmanned craft in South Korea

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NONSAN, South Korea, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Pilotless capabilities available for integration onto South Korean army helicopters have been demonstrated by Boeing of the United States.

Boeing said the capabilities -- to support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, resupply and other missions -- were showcased at the Republic of Korea Aviation School using its Unmanned Little Bird demonstrator aircraft, a variant of the MD 500 helicopter operated by South Korea.

The UBL Bird flew autonomously for about 25 minutes, the company said.

The MD 500 was assembled for the Korean military by Korea Air Aerospace Division from 1976-87 under license from Boeing heritage companies Hughes Helicopters and McDonnell Douglas. KAL assisted in transporting the Unmanned Little Bird to the demonstration site, continuing collaboration between the two companies.

"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.