Korean Air is displaying three Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) concepts at the show, encompassing the Low Observable Wingman UAV System (LOWUS) prototype, a loitering munition prototype, and a full-scale mock-up of its small unmanned collaborative aircraft (KUS-FX). “Korean Air is solidifying its position as a global leader in unmanned aviation, backed by a diverse portfolio of advanced UAV platforms,” a company representative told GBP Daily News. “We look forward to showcasing Korean domestic technologies on the global stage.”
The LOWUS prototype is South Korea’s first large, jet-powered UAV designed with low-observable features. It will be capable of performing diverse missions including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), strike, escort, and Electronic Warfare (EW). The LOWUS prototype will be equipped with advanced autonomous mission execution capabilities and be capable of highly coordinated formation flight with manned aircraft. The large, jet-powered UAS represents a key milestone in Korean Air’s development of Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities, which enables manned fighters and unmanned aircraft to operate as a coordinated team.
Korean Air UAV System – LOWUS
Next Generation Stealth Loyal Wingman
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Parameter | Specification |
| Length | 10.4 m |
| Wingspan | 9.4 m |
| Height | 2.8 m |
| Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) | N/A |
| Engine | Turbofan, 5,500 lbf class |
| Maximum Speed | Not disclosed |
| Cruise Speed | Not disclosed |
| Endurance | Not disclosed |
© Korean Air
The loitering munition prototype has been developed jointly with South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD). Korean Air has stated that it aims to complete the development of this loitering munition by 2026.
The KUS-FX is designed for initial deployment in high-risk areas to conduct key reconnaissance missions. Korea Air has used a modular payload concept to allow air and ground launched weapons to be carried. The drone can also undertake decoy operations, electronic warfare, attack, and reconnaissance missions. The KUS-FX can undertake high-risk combat or support missions using an AI pilot system.
Korean Air UAV System – Small Class (KUS-FX)
Expendable Multirole Collaborative Combat Aircraft
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Parameter | Specification |
| Length | 4.0 m |
| Wingspan | 2.8 m |
| Height | 0.7 m |
| Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) | 226 kg |
| Engine | Turbojet, 292 lbf class |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 0.85 |
| Cruise Speed | Mach 0.6 – 0.7 |
| Endurance | 1.5 hours |
© Korean Air
Korean Air is also displaying its full spectrum of unmanned systems, including the KUS-FS strategic-class Medium-Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MUAV), the KUS-FT division-level reconnaissance UAV, and the KUS-VS Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAV at the show.
Korean Air is also working on pioneering AI-based autonomous mission technologies, enabling UAVs to assess situations and execute missions independently and is actively collaborating with companies like Anduril Industries. Korean Air is also presenting its achievements in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations, including its ACROSS (Air Control & Routing Orchestrated Skyway System) traffic management system and its latest AI-powered MRO solutions. These are on display at a joint exhibition booth with South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
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