Our Bureau
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: Oct 21, 2021 -
: 12:18 pm
Korean Air, currently in the process of developing a VTOL Surveillance UAV System, is showcasing the protype of the drone at the ongoing ADEX.
KUS-VS, or Korean Air UAV System – VTOL Surveillance, is designed to be used for tactical surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition and firepower guidance for divisions of the ROK Army and Marine Corps. It would have automatic vertical takeoff and landing capability and a maximum speed of 160 km/h, a cruise speed of 120 km/h, a range of 80 km and a maximum endurance of five hours.
A single system would include four UAVs, a ground control system as well as a ground support system. “We are developing it to serve the needs of our military, but we would like to seek export opportunities as well,” said Cha Yonghwan, Deputy General Manager of the company’s UAS Business development team. New Hybrid Drone: The company has also recently introduced into the market an updated version of its long endurance, hybrid propulsion drone. Designed for ISR and target acquisition, it can be used for a range of activities including forest fires monitoring, facility safety inspections and parcel delivery. The UAV has a maximum endurance of two hours and has received the ultra-light vehicle safety certificate from KAIST.
“WE HAVE SUPPLIED THE SYSTEM TO THE KOREAN NAVY, THE AIR FORCE AND 911,” said Dongju Kim, UAV Sales Team manager.
“ONE THING THAT MAKES THE UAV STAND OUT FROM THE COMPETITION IS ITS ENDURANCE. OTHER DRONES OF THE SAME SIZE DO NOT HAVE ANYWHERE NEAR THE SAME LEVELS OF ENDURANCE. WE ARE ALSO INTERESTED IN HAVING INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS AND WILL PROMOTE THE SYSTEM IN OTHER REGIONS. RIGHT NOW, WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF BUILDING A BIGGER HYBRID DRONE THAT WILL BE CAPABLE OF CARRYING HEAVIER PAYLOADS. WE ALSO HAVE PLANS TO USE HYDROGEN FUEL CELLS TO POWER THE UAV.”
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