Daejeon: South Korea's national space and aerospace agency on Thursday outlined a broad blueprint for developing a homegrown advanced air vehicle (AAV) at a public hearing to gather feedback from various stakeholders.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) hosted the hearing in Daejeon, with around 100 participants from government agencies, industry, academia, and research circles in attendance. The AAV project is a part of KASA's long-term vision to position South Korea among the world's top five aerospace powers. The envisioned AAV is designed to be a low-noise, eco-friendly aircraft capable of vertical or short takeoffs, suitable for urban, regional, and maritime transport.
The potential applications of the AAV include connecting islands to the mainland in under an hour, facilitating emergency medical evacuations, conducting crime prevention patrols, and enhancing disaster response capabilities. KASA also highlighted the potential military applications of AAVs, emphasizing their quieter operation and faster deployment when compared to traditional helicopters.
During the hearing, officials and experts concurred that South Korea's expertise in batteries, semiconductors, and aircraft development could enable it to compete effectively in the burgeoning AAV market, which is projected to reach US$1 trillion globally by 2040. "It is crucial for the industry and the government to work together quickly to secure a leading position in this fast-changing market," stated Kim Hyun-dae, head of KASA's aviation innovation division.