Hyundai Rotem Selected as Korea's First Multipurpose Unmanned Vehicle Provider

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Hyundai Rotem has been selected as the supplier for the first domestically introduced multipurpose unmanned vehicle.

Hyundai Rotem announced on the 24th that it had won the contract for the multipurpose unmanned vehicle rapid demonstration acquisition project ordered by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration. Hyundai Rotem plans to supply two 2-ton class multipurpose unmanned vehicles along with a support system for pilot operation in the military within six months from the contract signing date.

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 anticipated hazardous areas in future battlefield environments, enhancing soldier survivability. It is characterized by its versatile use, such as supplying ammunition and combat supplies in close combat zones and evacuating casualties occurring during combat according to the purpose.

The multipurpose unmanned vehicle supplied by Hyundai Rotem this time is based on the self-developed 'HR-Sherpa' and is equipped with a Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS), enabling automatic target tracking and firing from a distance, thus enhancing performance.

The HR-Sherpa is equipped with Airless Tires, allowing continuous mobility without punctures even under enemy attacks, and can rotate 360 degrees on the spot. It also boasts excellent driving capabilities that maximize the advantages of unmanned vehicles, including remote driving, dependent driving following personnel in front of the vehicle, and autonomous driving along designated routes by self-exploring waypoints.

The HR-Sherpa demonstrated its mission performance and autonomous driving capabilities at major events such as last year's 'Korea-ASEAN Special Summit,' this year's 'Armed Forces Day Ceremony,' and the 'Korea Defense Industry Exhibition.'

This project is being promoted to introduce and pilot operate multipurpose unmanned vehicles domestically for the first time and is part of the rapid demonstration acquisition project. The rapid demonstration acquisition project allows the military to decide on power requirements through pilot operation of products applying new technologies in the 4th Industrial Revolution era and quickly operationalize follow-up quantities, significantly shortening the acquisition period of existing weapon systems.

Hyundai Rotem stated, "By winning this project, we have secured a favorable position to target various unmanned system projects expected in the future, such as the multipurpose unmanned vehicle operationalization project," and added, "In addition to the 2-ton class multipurpose unmanned vehicle, we plan to develop various types of unmanned vehicles according to future demand to establish ourselves as a leading unmanned system company and expand market penetration."

Unmanned systems are a field with high growth potential, and demand in future markets is expected to increase steadily. The Army has announced the 'Army TIGER 4.0' plan, which integrates advanced 4th Industrial Revolution technologies into various combat platforms and is moving forward with unmanned system adoption. Additionally, global demand for unmanned systems is expected to rise due to workforce reduction trends caused by aging populations and low birth rates.