KAI partners with state space agency to carry out demonstration environment suitability test for urban air mobility

By Kim Joo-heon Posted : December 28, 2022, 17:59 Updated : February 25, 2024, 01:45

[Courtesy of Korea Aerospace Industries]

SEOUL -- South Korean aircraft maker Korea Aerospace Industries partnered with a state-run space agency to inspect test environments for urban air mobility, an ecosystem involving flying passenger vehicles in urban areas. A helicopter will be deployed to collect and analyze various data.
 
Through UAM Team Korea, a public-private consultative body, South Korea aims to commercialize manned drone taxis in 2025. Remote-controlled vehicles will be adopted in 2030 and a fully autonomous service in 2035. A safety manager will board each flying vehicle until pilots are no longer needed.
 
The Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) said in a statement on December 28 that the aircraft producer signed an agreement with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) to carry out "dry runs," suitability tests for demonstration environments for aerial vehicles before actual tests in urban areas. The verification of test infrastructure will be completed using the Robinson R44, a four four-seater light helicopter.
 
UAM infrastructure includes vertiports and a control system. Aerial vehicles are required to fly through corridors to prevent accidents and improve the safety of pedestrians on the land. Vertiports will be placed on safe places like rooftops.
Kim Joo-heon

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