Vessel Unveils Korea's First Government-Certified Autonomous Flight UAM and Electric Aircraft Models

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] Vessel unveiled the OPPAV (Optionally Piloted Personal Air Vehicle) prototype, developed as Korea's first government-certified K-UAM aircraft, and the KLA-100E model, developed as a 100% electric-powered aircraft.

Vessel announced on the 10th that its affiliate, Vessel Aerospace, revealed the OPPAV prototype and the two-seater UAM aircraft AM-20, co-developed with global aviation certification company AEROMECH, at the ‘2022 K-UAM Confex’ held at the Paradise City Hotel in Incheon.

K-UAM Confex is an event hosted by Incheon Metropolitan City and sponsored by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The conference presentations by participants of the ‘K-UAM Grand Challenge,’ including Vessel Aerospace and Airbus, will focus on UAM (Urban Air Mobility) and future aviation.

Through this event, Vessel Aerospace will unveil UAM aircraft developed under a national R&D project worth 62.9 billion KRW. In the OPPAV development project, uniquely led by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute domestically, Vessel Aerospace is responsible for the design and manufacturing of the UAM aircraft.

Additionally, Vessel Aerospace introduced the ‘KLA-100E’ model, which successfully achieved 100% electric propulsion based on Korea’s only ultralight aircraft, the KLA-100. They also revealed for the first time the concept of a two-seater UAM aircraft currently being co-developed with global aviation certification company AEROMECH.

Headquartered in the United States, AEROMECH is an ODA organization officially certified by the U.S. FAA. Earlier in mid-June, it signed a memorandum of understanding for partnership with Vessel Aerospace for AAM/UAM certification. Regarding certification, considered the biggest challenge in UAM development, this aircraft plans to pursue simultaneous certification with the U.S. FAA and domestic authorities.

A company representative stated, “Vessel Aerospace possesses the richest experience and technology in Korea in key future aviation fields such as vertical takeoff and landing, electric propulsion, and unmanned autonomous flight,” adding, “This event will provide an opportunity for the general public to directly witness these advancements.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.