Hyundai Rotem Selected as Supplier of Korea's First Multipurpose Unmanned Vehicle

HR-Sherpa developed by Hyundai Rotem

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Hyundai Rotem has secured a favorable position in the related market by being selected as the supplier of the country's first multipurpose unmanned vehicle.

On the 24th, Hyundai Rotem announced that it had won the Defense Acquisition Program Administration's rapid demonstration acquisition project for multipurpose unmanned vehicles. The multipurpose unmanned vehicle is a remote-controlled and unmanned vehicle under 2 tons that can be equipped and operated with various equipment depending on the mission. It can conduct reconnaissance and fire support in dangerous areas, enhancing soldier survivability. In particular, it can be used for multiple purposes such as supplying ammunition and combat materials and evacuating casualties occurring in combat in close combat situations.

This project is part of the rapid demonstration acquisition project promoted by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration to introduce and pilot operate multipurpose unmanned vehicles for the first time in Korea. Hyundai Rotem plans to supply two 2-ton class multipurpose unmanned vehicles along with a support system for military pilot operation within six months after signing the contract.

The multipurpose unmanned vehicle Hyundai Rotem will supply this time is an enhanced performance model based on the self-developed ‘HR-Sherpa’ equipped with a Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) that can automatically track and shoot targets from a distance.

The HR-Sherpa is equipped with Airless Tires, allowing continuous operation without punctures even under enemy attacks, and can rotate 360 degrees on the spot. It also has excellent driving capabilities that maximize the advantages of unmanned vehicles, such as remote driving, dependent driving following personnel in front of the vehicle, and autonomous driving along a designated route by exploring the path on its own.

Hyundai Rotem plans to develop additional unmanned vehicles for various purposes according to future demand, aiming to establish itself as a leading company in unmanned systems and expand its market presence. Unmanned systems are a field with high growth potential, and demand is expected to increase steadily in future markets. For example, the Army has announced the 'Army TIGER 4.0' plan, which integrates advanced technologies of the 4th Industrial Revolution into various combat platforms and is moving forward with the introduction of unmanned systems.

A Hyundai Rotem official said, “Unmanned systems are advanced technologies with high potential for use in the civilian sector as well, and the related market has high growth potential. We will strengthen our competitiveness in unmanned systems such as multipurpose unmanned vehicles and strive to achieve steady results in domestic and overseas markets.”