Korea UAV programs

[Test7]

The Medium Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MUAV) program by Korean Air is in trouble, a lawmaker from South Korea has disclosed.

According to Kim Jin-pyo, one prototype had crashed and the other has been grounded since December last year.

It seems that the aircraft’s anti-icing system is inadequate and ice could build up while operating at high altitudes.

 

[Test7]

It has been confirmed that RQ-4 Global Hawk No. 4, an American cutting-edge high-altitude, remotely-piloted, surveillance aircraft, was delivered to the South Korean military last month in private. The delivery of four RQ-4 Global Hawks has been completed with the news, but the South Korean military has not revealed a single image of the deployment of RQ-4 Global Hawks. Such a decision seems to be in consideration of North Korea’s strong opposition against the deployment of the aircraft, which can surveil the entire territory of the North.

According to Kim Jin-pyo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea and the National Defense Committee of the National Assembly, and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration on Wednesday, RQ-4 Global Hawk No. 4 arrived in an air force base in South Korea. The first aircraft was deployed in December last year. The military did not reveal the deployment news at that time and only admitted when the landing of the aircraft was caught by media. The deployment of the second and third aircrafts were also not disclosed by the military, but became known to the public when U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Harry B. Harris Jr. shared their pictures on his Twitter account. The fourth and the last one of the 1.1-trillion-won RQ-4 Global Hawk deployment project was confirmed to have been delivered in the parliamentary inspection of the administration. Four RQ-4 Global Hawks in South Korea are known to be deployed to air force bases in different regions.

“It is a blatant act of hostility against us and dangerous military action that will destroy peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and bring the end of the inter-Korean relations,” said North Korea through a propaganda media towards South Korea, such as Uriminzokkiri, on the South’s RQ-4 Global Hawk project in May last year. The North also showed a sense of wariness by using extreme expressions, such as “the fuse for South Korea’s invasion of the North,” “perilous intention” and “anachronistic delusion for confrontations.” North Korea also criticized the project in April this year, which marks the second anniversary of the Panmunjom Declaration, saying that the continuous introduction of cutting-edge military equipment by the South is to preemptively attack the North in case of emergency and that it is a public declaration to begin South Korea’s scheme in full force to invade North Korea along with foreign powers.

North Korea’s such sensitive reactions to the deployment of RQ-4 Global Hawk are because of the aircraft’s reconnaissance ability over the country. RQ-4 Global Hawk can surveil the entire territory of the North as it has a maximum radius of operations of up to 3,000 kilometers. It can also fly for over 32 hours and identify a 30-centimeter object on the ground at an altitude of 20 kilometers. This will enable the South Korean military to independently detect the military movements by North Korea, such as those regarding intercontinental ballistic missiles and super-large multiple rocket launchers, in real-time.

RQ-4 Global Hawk 4 arrived in S. Korea last month

It has been confirmed that RQ-4 Global Hawk No. 4, an American cutting-edge high-altitude, remotely…

www.donga.com

 

[TR_123456]

South Korea has found defects in all of the four Global Hawk unmanned surveillance aircraft it has procured from the United States, a ruling party lawmaker said Thursday, calling for measures to ensure their stable operation.

Citing data from the Air Force during a parliamentary audit, Rep. Ahn Gyu-back of the Democratic Party said that defects have been found in the drones an average of 10 times each.

From December 2019 through September last year, South Korea brought in four Global Hawks under a project worth 965.9 billion won ($812 million).

"There have been too many defects given the short period since they were rolled out here," Ahn said. "We should thoroughly check the management of the Global Hawks and quickly craft measures to ensure their stable operation."

The lawmaker also said that the military found a malfunctioning part responsible for transmitting imagery to the ground in one of the Global Hawks, but it has yet to find what went wrong. (Yonhap)

Defects found in all 4 Global Hawk drones brought from US: lawmaker

South Korea has found defects in all of the four Global Hawk unmanned surveillance aircraft it has procured from the United States, a ruling party lawmaker said Thursday, calling for measures to ensure their stable operation. Citing data from the Air Force during a parliamentary audit, Rep. Ahn...

www.koreaherald.com

 

[Test7]

South Korea‘s military approved a plan Monday to locally develop and deploy a reconnaissance and surveillance drone by 2031 to better defend the country’s northwestern border islands, the state arms procurement agency said.

The Defense Project Promotion Committee endorsed the project worth 570 billion won ($479 million) for the drone designed to be operated aboard Navy warships and by Marine Corps units on front-line islands, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.

“The new drone, if developed, will reinforce the military’s capability to respond to security threats through the real-time monitoring of maritime areas and northwestern border islands,” the DAPA said in a press release.

Also at the virtual committee session, the military approved a basic plan to locally develop a landing attack helicopter under a 450 billion won project that runs from 2022-26.

The committee also approved a plan to purchase large military choppers from foreign companies under a project to replace aging CH-47D helicopters currently operated by the Army. The project is to last from 2022-28 with a budget estimated at 1.4 trillion won.

In addition, the committee endorsed a plan for the first mass production of a wheeled armored command post vehicle. For this project from 2022-29, the country plans to spend 1.51 trillion won. (Yonhap)

S. Korea's military to deploy homegrown surveillance drones by 2031

South Korea‘s military approved a plan Monday to locally develop and deploy a reconnaissance and surveillance drone by 2031 to better defend the country’s northwestern border islands, the state arms procurement agency said. The Defense Project Promotion Committee endorsed the project worth 570...

m.koreaherald.com

 

[Cabatli_TR]

South Korea’s state-funded arms development agency announced the completion of their development of the Medium Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MUAV).

The Agency for Defense Development, or ADD, said that it completed the development of medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE)-class remotely-piloted surveillance aircraft.

Multiple news outlets reported that serial production of MUAV is scheduled to begin in 2023 and the first aircraft will be delivered to the Republic of Korea Air Force in the fourth quarter of 2023 or in the first quarter of 2024.

https://defence-blog.com/development-of-south-koreas-heavy-unmanned-aircraft-completed/

 

[Baljak]

The KUS-FS is a multi-purpose Medium Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MUAV) developed by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and Korean Air Aerospace (KAA). The project was canceled after the first prototype of the KUS-15 developed by Korean Air Aerospace since 2008 was released in May 2011. Later, the KUS-FS development project was restarted to replace the RQ-4 Global Hawk, which was supposed to be purchased from the United States. The basic performance is based on the KUS-15.

General characteristics

Application:
● Military: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Communication relay, electronic warfare (EW)
● Civil: Maritime, Border, Environment and scientific surveillance & monitoring

System Configuration: Electro-Optical (EO) and Infrared (IR) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)

Key Features: Line of Sight (LOS), Satellite Communication (SATCOM) and communication relay

Length: 13.3 m

Width: 25.3 m

Height: 3 m

Max takeoff weight: 5,700 kg

Hard point: Cheongeom (Taipers) Air-to-Surface anti-tank missile x 4

Powerplant: 1200 hp turboprop engine based on Samsung Techwin SS-760K turbofan engine

Maximum engine thrust: 5,500 lbf (24.46 kN)

Max speed: 360 Km

Radius of action: 500 km

Maximum allowable altitude: 45,000 ft (10-13 km)

Maximum operating time: 24 hours

 

[urban mine]

MUAV (Medium Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)

The development of the MUAV has been an arduous process. Development began in 2006, but was delayed due to problems with the UAV (Global Hawk) imported from the United States. Development finally resumed in 2013, but was delayed due to problems.

Since 2017, when it was supposed to be completed, it has been extended six times as various flaws were discovered.

A particular problem was an error in the ADS, which is used to calculate things like altitude and speed.

The error was caused by cloud moisture accumulating on the device during flight, so the design had to be revised and undergo multiple testing procedures.

First production is expected to begin in late 2023 or the first quarter of 2024, with the ROKAF able to enter service in 2025.

The EO/IR sensor was developed by Hanwha Systems and the SAR by LIG Nex1 (LIG Nex1 developed a SAR system called NexSAR with bandwidth of 600 MHz and resolution of 30 cm to obtain technologies required for high-resolution SAR in 2009). According a KAL-ASD official, the MUAV was able to accurately identify a specific seat within the Seoul Sports Complex from a distance of about 130 km. Since it has been a long time since 2009, I would expect more mature technology to be used.

The engine is a PT6A-67A with 1200 horsepower, which will be replaced with a domestically produced turboshaft engine in the future (prototype to be developed and power tested by 2005).

 

[urban mine]

I'll try to explain the current state of development of UCAVs in Korea with my poor English.

The Manned-Unmanned Collaborative Combat System (MUM-CCS) Implementation and Countermeasures Seminar, co-hosted by the ADD and Korean Air on February 9, revealed the status of airborne MUM-CCS(In Korea, the term MUM-T( Manned-Unmanned Teaming)is commonly used.) development, including stealth unmanned aerial vehicles, that South Korea plans to realize in the near future (2030s).

KUS-X is a UCAV development program in South Korea, with ADD and Korean Air leading the precedent study and development.

The program appears to have been in the works for quite some time. In 2000, the Defense Innovation Headquarters of the Ministry of National Defense was conducting various policy studies to streamline and futureize limited defense resources and focused on UCAV, and although it was concluded that it was not possible to develop them independently with domestic technology at that time, it was decided to develop Korean-type UCAV from the 2010s onwards while researching and developing related technologies.

The Korean UCAV development plan was later clarified when the Air Force raised the level of 30 to 50 UCAVs for SEAD and CAS missions, and the basic budget for development was confirmed, and the direction was set to accumulate technology in conjunction with the KF-X project while researching flight control techniques, shape design techniques, and RAS for UCAVs under the supervision of ADD.

Called KAORI (Korean pronunciation of stingray) - X, the flying wing drone is a flight test aircraft that ADD refined and optimized from a design that emerged after a competition between Korean Air and KAI. The development period was from 2010 to 2016. The model is scaled down to 1/7.5 of its actual size. The first flight test was successful in 2014, and it is significant that the stealth shape and flight system were tested and verified for the first time in Korea.

Then, from 2016 to 2021, we conducted the KAORI-X 2 project to build a full-scale (15-meter wingspan) ground RCS experimenter. Wideband Microwave absorption structure technology was developed and applied to the airframe, and the target performance was achieved by conducting ground tests with a 6M-class low observable performance verification airframe.

A program is underway to develop low-observable UAV airframe structures in the wideband domain to enable more advanced stealth technologies from 2021 to 2025. ADD and Korean Air are developing a wideband microwave absorber structure by applying the technology acquired from KAORI-X1~2, and will advance the surface current control performance by applying stealth technology to the entire body. The goal is to achieve the target performance by developing a 6M-class performance verification test aircraft.

For KUS-X, a 2D Convergent-Divergent Thrust Vectoring Nozzle will be applied in consideration of stealth performance. From 2022 to 2027, They will develop a high heat-resistant radio wave absorption structure that can be applied to the engine exhaust. To withstand high temperatures, ceramic-based composites will be applied.

2D exhaust nozzle with multiple composite layers for IR signature suppression(Results in Physics, 2020.09

KUS-X's plan is to mass-produce and deploy the airframe by 2035 years after the Full Scale Development.

 

[urban mine]

Full-size model drone with VHF-Band Conformal Antenna.

 

[Afif]

Mass production move of MALE UAV from South Korea

South Korea has decided to approve a US$732 million plan for mass production of Medium-Altitude—Long Endurance (MALE) Class UAVs.

According to the information obtained; South Korean defense authorities on Friday approved a plan to mass-produce MALE UAVs by 2028 to strengthen the Air Force's surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.


According to the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA); The Defense Project Promotion Committee has approved the country's 980 billion won (US$732 million) final progress plan on the drone development project, which first began in 2006.
DAPA said it expects the aircraft to enable intelligence gathering and reconnaissance missions on targets deep within North Korea and lay the groundwork for the development of the country's drone projects. The number of UAVs to be produced within the scope of the project has not been disclosed.

KUS-15 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle​

It is emphasized that the mentioned MALE UAV is KUS-15. KUS-15, which was started to be developed by Korean Air after 2005, made its first flight in 2012. Due to some technical problems, the UAV could not go into mass production until today.
Developed as the MQ-9 Reaper counterpart, KUS-15 is also known as KUS-FS. UAV; It has a length of 13 meters, a wingspan of 25 meters, a height of 3 meters and a 1200HP engine. It is known that the engine of the UAV was developed over the Samsung Techwin SS-760K Turbojet Engine. The service altitude of the UAV, which is aimed to have a 24-hour airtime, is 45,000ft.

---

Güney Kore'den MALE İHA seri üretimi hamlesi

Güney Kore, Orta İrtifa—Uzun Dayanım (MALE) Sınıfı İHA seri üretimiyle ilgili olarak 732 milyon ABD Doları tutarındaki bir planı onaylama kararı aldı.

www.savunmasanayist.com

@Chocopie I couldn't find any info on payload capacity.

 

[urban mine]

We only know that the MTOW is officially disclosed as 5.7T, but we don't really know anything else. We can only make a rough estimate.

And I don't understand why misinformation about the engine continues to be spread in the media. Korean media said it will be equipped with PT6A-67A.... Maybe the foreign reporters use Wikipedia to write their articles.

 

[Chocopie]

The KUS-FS project is full of mishaps, technical problems and half-assed engagement of ROKA. The Cold War-style army oriented military leadership hasn‘t arrived at the age of drone warfare. Exact payload, weapons and sensor specs (Hanwha, LIG Nex1) etc. are not disclosed and top secret. Maybe because KAL drone design and tech integration is shitty …

South Korea needs a whole new revamp of military strategy with an updated drone doctrine, develop more advanced drone technology and counter-measures. Old school generals and admirals have neglected modern drone warfare way too long. The North‘s successful drone intrusions and latest show of Reaper and Global Hawk clones made that obvious to the public.

Some sources about ROK MALE UAV with bits of infos:

Global MALE & HALE UAV Key Developments Across Global Top 10 Defence Spenders - European Security & Defence

Mandip Singh explains the main developments and trends with different Unmanned Aerial Vehicles around the world today.

euro-sd.com

Korea to develop its own MQ-9 Reaper drone

The decision follows a month after North Korea showcased new aerial drones that bear a strong resemblance to the U.S. surveillance drone Global Hawk, during a military parade.

koreajoongangdaily.joins.com

 

[Windchime]

The KUS-FS project is full of mishaps, technical problems and half-assed engagement of ROKA. The Cold War-style army oriented military leadership hasn‘t arrived at the age of drone warfare. Exact payload, weapons and sensor specs (Hanwha, LIG Nex1) etc. are not disclosed and top secret. Maybe because KAL drone design and tech integration is shitty …

South Korea needs a whole new revamp of military strategy with an updated drone doctrine, develop more advanced drone technology and counter-measures. Old school generals and admirals have neglected modern drone warfare way too long. The North‘s successful drone intrusions and latest show of Reaper and Global Hawk clones made that obvious to the public.

Some sources about ROK MALE UAV with bits of infos:

Global MALE & HALE UAV Key Developments Across Global Top 10 Defence Spenders - European Security & Defence

Mandip Singh explains the main developments and trends with different Unmanned Aerial Vehicles around the world today.

euro-sd.com

Korea to develop its own MQ-9 Reaper drone

The decision follows a month after North Korea showcased new aerial drones that bear a strong resemblance to the U.S. surveillance drone Global Hawk, during a military parade.

koreajoongangdaily.joins.com

Two big problems.

First is that the military expects manned-aircraft levels of redundency for these unammed vehicles, which is unncessary. It drives up complexity and cost and are causing unncessary problems in development.

Other problem is on ADD and their general program management.

 

[CAN_TR]

S. Korea and Turkey seek defense industry partnerships in drones, armored vehicles

NEW DELHI ― President Yoon Suk Yeol held a summit with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in New Delhi, Saturday, and discussed ways to expand partnerships in the defense industry focusing on drones, military transport aircraft and other weapons.

According to Seoul's presidential office, Yoon congratulated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey and expressed hopes of expanding bilateral trade on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of their bilateral free trade agreement.

Erdogan expressed gratitude for South Korea's aid to Turkey after a massive earthquake hit the southern part of the country earlier this year and noted that their reciprocal economic relationship will be expanded.

During the summit, the leaders discussed defense industry cooperation, recognizing the partnerships that have been established until now.

In particular, Erdogan said the defense industry partnership should expand to cover drones, military aircraft and armored vehicles.

Turkey is one of the first countries to import South Korean weapons. Seoul licensed out technologies for its K2 Black Panther tank in 2004, which Ankara used to develop the Altay battle tank. Seoul's K9 self-propelled howitzers were also licensed out to Turkey, which are being operated there as the T-155 Firtina.

South Korea is expected to learn drone technology and operating skills based on Turkey's experience and expertise in that field.

The South Korean military launched a special drone operation unit on Sept. 1, after a North Korean drone intruded into a no-fly zone near the presidential office in Seoul on Dec. 26, 2022. The South Korean military failed to intercept the drones, laying bare its insufficient readiness to detect, track and shoot down the unmanned aerial vehicles.

As the drone unit is in its early stage, Seoul is seeking to expedite its operational capabilities through exchanges with allied countries including Turkey.
Turkey is home to Baykar, a defense company which developed the TB-2 medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicle. The drone gained international acclaim after being used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine against invading Russian forces

Yoon and Erdogan also agreed to continue consultations in South Korean nuclear power companies' participation in Turkey's new nuclear power plant project.
Yoon also held a meeting with the leaders of MIKTA ― a grouping of Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, Turkey and Australia ― on the sidelines of the G20 Summit and stressed the solidarity between the countries to overcome global crises.

S. Korea and Turkey seek defense industry partnerships in drones, armored vehicles

Millet crisps - twice over - and millet pudding: the G20 leaders were served a vegetarian gala dinner on Saturday showcasing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's favourite grain. ...

www.koreatimes.co.kr