Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is developing a tactical UAV that can carry a payload of 500kg (1,100lb).

The UAV will have two variants, one with a V-tail and the second with a twin-boom tail. Both will have a wingspan of 17m (56ft) and boast a 12h endurance.

KAI UAV 2

Greg Waldron/Flightglobal

Models of the two systems at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition show them carrying small bombs on pylons beneath the wings, as well as a sensor ball and bulge beneath the fuselage for a radar system.

KAI UAV 1

Greg Waldron/Flightglobal

KAI expects both variants to perform their first flights in 2017, but the South Korean army’s degree of interest in the programme is unclear.

The company's main domestic rival, Korean Air, also displayed a number of UAVs at the show, including a conceptual jet-powered unmanned combat air vehicle.

Source: FlightGlobal.com