
Specifications
Year: 2020
Status: In-Development
Manufacturer(s): Korean Air - South Korea / Boeing Company - USA
Production: 1
Capabilities: Ground Attack; Close-Air Support (CAS); Unmanned;
Status: In-Development
Manufacturer(s): Korean Air - South Korea / Boeing Company - USA
Production: 1
Capabilities: Ground Attack; Close-Air Support (CAS); Unmanned;
Crew: 0
Length: 23.00 ft (7.01 m)
Width: 26.35 ft (8.03 m)
Height: 8.53 ft (2.6 m)
Weight (Empty): 1,323 lb (600 kg)
Weight (MTOW): 2,866 lb (1,300 kg)
Length: 23.00 ft (7.01 m)
Width: 26.35 ft (8.03 m)
Height: 8.53 ft (2.6 m)
Weight (Empty): 1,323 lb (600 kg)
Weight (MTOW): 2,866 lb (1,300 kg)
Power: Estimated: 1 x Allison 250-C20B turboshaft engine developing 420 horsepower and driving five bladed main rotor and four-bladed tail rotor.
Speed: 162 mph (260 kph; 140 kts)
Ceiling: 13,862 feet (4,225 m; 2.63 miles)
Range: 435 miles (700 km; 378 nm)
Rate-of-Climb: 1,700 ft/min (518 m/min)
Ceiling: 13,862 feet (4,225 m; 2.63 miles)
Range: 435 miles (700 km; 378 nm)
Rate-of-Climb: 1,700 ft/min (518 m/min)
Operators: South Korea (possible)
Without the need of a pilot the helicopter will now see a reduced operational commitment over the battlescape. The passenger cabin is to be taken up by a large internal fuel tank increasing the operational range of the helicopter by 100%. The windscreen surfaces common to the MD500 will be shrouded over. By and large the overall form and function of the unit will remain intact. Optcis will be set in a fairing under the chin. Korean Air also markets the development under a low-cost approach to a comparable manned system of equal capabilities. Armament options will include rocket pods, gun pods and missiles which, when coupled to onboard systems, will provide a surgical strike capability with no potential pilot loss in enemy-held territory.
While the South Korean Air Force is not actively looking for a product like the KUS-VH, the possible reuse of the aging stock of MD500 helicopters might be tempting enough for the service to have a serious look. The MD500s currently in service will be retired over the next decade and number several hundred.
The Boeing participation in the program is key not only due to the company's position as a global defense powerhouse but also with its recent experience in developing its own H-6U "Little Bird" unmanned helicopter (detailed elsewhere on this site). The KUH-VH will be offered for export to American and South Korean allies.
The Boeing participation in the program is key not only due to the company's position as a global defense powerhouse but also with its recent experience in developing its own H-6U "Little Bird" unmanned helicopter (detailed elsewhere on this site). The KUH-VH will be offered for export to American and South Korean allies.
Armament
Variable - ordnance held across two wingstubs along fuselage sides and can include (in pairs of in single installation):
TOW Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs)
7.62mm General Electric M134 miniguns
Stinger short-range air-to-air missiles
Seven-shot rocket pods





Variants / Models
• KUS-VJ - Proposed series designation