KAL Aerospace, a division of South Korea's largest airline Korean Air, has developed and produced an unmanned air vehicle it plans to market to potential customers in the military and civil sectors.
The first flight took place in August at KAL Aerospace facilities in Chungnam province, and work has started on a second prototype. The company has worked on the project with the commerce, industry and energy ministry over the past three years, and 97% of the material and technology used was indigenously produced.
The first prototype has a wing span of 3.1m (10ft) and a length of 3.4m. Its 17hp (12kW) engine allows it to fly for up to 2.5h within a 40km (20nm) radius. With a gross take-off weight of 65kg (145lb), it has a maximum operating speed of 80kt (150km/h) and a cruising speed of 60kt. The second UAV will have a wing span of 3.5m and length of 3.9m. Its 38hp engine would allow it to fly for up to 6h over an 80km radius. Its gross take-off weight will be 130kg and it will have a maximum operating speed of 97kt.
KAL says that the UAV has a 26x-magnification zoom camera for daytime observation. Three aircraft and support equipment, including wireless control panels, can be transported on two 3.5t trucks. The new model will include a short take-off capability and forward-aimed infrared cameras for night operations.
The company plans to market the UAV to the South Korean army, which is keen to increase its ability to observe opposing forces during war time. It would also be useful for civilian purposes such as monitoring traffic and illegal fishing activities, says KAL.
"Sales could reach 800 billion won [$851 million] within the next 10 years," says Cho Hang Jin, president of KAL Aerospace. "Of this, we may be able to export 300 billion won-worth of them." The company could not confirm when it plans to start commercial production of the UAVs.
KAL Aerospace also provides maintenance services for civilian and military customers, and is involved in the cargo conversion business.
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KAL's prototype has wing span of 3.1m, a length of 3.4m, with a 2.5h endurance |
Source: Flight International
