XAV

XAV (eXperimental Autonomous Vehicle), is a highly-maneuverable, light mechanized, four-wheeled unmanned vehicle that is capable of being controlled from a remote station and used for field reconnaissance. It is currently under joint development by South Korea's Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and Ministry of Information and Communication with the budget of approximately $35 million dollars, and is planned to be fielded by 2012.

There will be two variants of the unit, one for battlefield reconnaissance missions and another for light anti-personnel combat missions.

Controls

The unit has GPS inputs, and can be controlled via remote or can move on its own using artificial intelligence.

Possible technology transfers

Choi Chang-gon, the head researcher of the project, also hinted that the amount of research poured into developing and building the XAV might extend into civilian uses, such as police patrol, fire fighting and constructions.

External links

* [http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/nation/200606/kt2006060717304711980.htm XAV article from The Korea Times]