Page 28 - ADT NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 Online Magazine

pany and Taurus signed at the recent Show is on is a multi-purpose one that is designed both for military and
for the development of the MALCM/KEPD350K2 commercial use. The UAS has a 14 kg maximum take-off mass and
or Medium-Range Air-Launched Cruise Missile, can carry a payload of 1 kg. The eVTOL has four rotors, two behind
which will be compatible with the FA-50 fighter. and two ahead of the wing. Capable of reaching a maximum speed
of 126 km/h and with an endurance of 90 minutes, the UAS can be
Focus on UAVs fitted with a warhead.

As part of its evolution from a company that
specializes in missiles to one that has a more For a Common Cause
rounded portfolio, LIG Nex1 has ventured into A standout feature of the country’s rapidly growing defence indus-
the development of unmanned aerial vehicles try is the cooperation between domestic companies. At the recent
(UAVs). One of the drones under development biennial Show, LIG Nex1, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hyundai
is KCD-40, a cargo drone that is designed to Heavy Industries joined forces to enhance cooperation in the areas
fulfill a Republic of Korea Army requirement. The of education, training and combat management systems for naval
vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) will have a vessels. One of the focus areas of the partnership is ROK Navy’s
maximum take-off mass of 200 kg and a 40 kg MUM-T (Manned-Unmanned Teaming) project called Navy Sea
payload. Designed with six rotors and with a GHOST (Guardian Harmonized with Operating manned Systems
hybrid powerplant, the KCD-40 is scheduled and Technology based unmanned systems). The concept involves
to have its first flight in early 2024. Another manned forces such as surface ships and submarines working in
UAS that is in the works is the KCD-200 heavy- tandem with unmanned systems, such as unmanned surface vehicles
lift UAS, which will have a maximum take-off and unmanned underwater vehicles, in combat.
mass of 1,350 kg. The drone, which features six
pods carrying each two two-blade rotors, will
have power provided by hydrogen fuel cells. Besides Navy Sea GHOST, the companies are expected to work
The biggest of the drones that the company is together on a range of projects, including the development of future
developing is capable of reaching a speed of warships and submarines. As part of the plan to enhance the export
over 100 km/h and an endurance of 60 minutes. potential of Korean warships, the three companies will pursue joint
The current phase of development involves flight marketing strategies for the vessels. LIG Nex1 has been an integral
performance testing with smaller aircraft. The part of various maritime weapon systems, having introduced the
first flight of the KCD-200 prototype is expected unmanned surface vessel series Haegum (Sea Sword-I, II, III, V). The
to take place in late 2024 or early 2025. vessels can be loaded and deployed from vessels and can conduct
The third drone that the company is working surface and underwater reconnaissance..
28 | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023 WWW.GBP.COM.SG/ADT