South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace is set to enter the uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) marked by reaching a collaboration with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) to develop and manufacture.
With the global UAS market expected to grow to approximately Won5tn ($3.42bn) by 2040, Hanwha notes that it aims to secure a foothold in this industry.
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To support this initiative, Hanwha Aerospace is set to invest more than Won750bn in the development and production facilities for both the Gray Eagle short take-off and landing (STOL) and UAS engines.
This investment will bolster research and development as well as production capabilities within South Korea and in conjunction with GA-ASI in the US.
The companies aim to achieve the first flight by early 2027.
Hanwha Group vice chairman Dong Kwan Kim said: “Hanwha Aerospace views unmanned systems as a strategic pillar for the future of defence.
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By GlobalData“Through our collaboration with GA-ASI, we aim to strengthen sovereign defence capabilities, expand Korea’s presence in the global UAS market, and contribute to a more robust ROK-US alliance.”
The latest move follows a flight demonstration in 2024.
The GA-ASI MQ-1C Gray Eagle STOL was launched from the South Korean navy’s amphibious landing ship ROKS Dokdo (LPH-6111) while it was navigating off the coast of Pohang, South Korea.
The demonstration showcased the Gray Eagle STOL’s capability to operate from a variety of ship types capable of aircraft operations.
GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue said: “We’re excited to extend and deepen our business relationship with Hanwha.
“Our test flight with Gray Eagle STOL was well-received by the Republic of Korea Navy and we know Hanwha is ready to invest to grow a UAS business with GA-ASI in Korea and the US.”
The Gray Eagle STOL, a medium-altitude, long-endurance aircraft, is designed to operate from flight deck-equipped warships such as aircraft carriers without requiring a catapult or arresting gear.
It is also capable of taking off and landing on unimproved surfaces like roads and beaches.
Equipped to carry a payload of 1.6 tonnes, the Gray Eagle STOL can undertake a variety of missions, ranging from reconnaissance to attack, depending on its configuration.
Formerly known internally as Mojave by GA-ASI, the aircraft shares commonalities with the established Gray Eagle 25M airframe.
The aircraft has achieved several aviation milestones, including operations aboard the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales (09), live fire tests in Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, among others.
