Hanwha Systems Partners with SK Telecom to Create Urban Air Mobility Ecosystem

Hanwha Systems, Korea Airports Corporation, SK Telecom, and Korea Transport Institute signed a four-party memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the 27th to cooperate on the UAM business. From the left in the photo are Kim Yeon-cheol, CEO of Hanwha Systems; Son Chang-wan, President of Korea Airports Corporation; Yoo Sang-young, Head of MNO Business at SK Telecom; and Yoo Jung-bok, Deputy Director of Management at Korea Transport Institute. Photo by XXX

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Hanwha Systems is collaborating with SK Telecom, Korea Airports Corporation, and Korea Transport Institute to develop an Urban Air Mobility (UAM) business model and foster the ecosystem.

On the 27th, Hanwha Systems announced that it signed a four-party Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for UAM business cooperation the previous day at Korea Airports Corporation in Gangseo-gu, Seoul.

UAM is an air mobility service using small electric-powered aircraft, attracting attention as a future mobility service that will revolutionize urban life.

According to the MOU, the four companies will mutually cooperate in areas including UAM aircraft development, vertiport infrastructure for takeoff and landing terminals, flight services, and mobility platforms.

Hanwha Systems is responsible for UAM aircraft development and ICT solutions for navigation and control. Hanwha Systems entered the UAM market domestically for the first time in July 2019 and is developing the air taxi aircraft called 'Butterfly.'

Butterfly incorporates Hanwha Systems' sensor, radar, and avionics technologies along with tiltrotor technology that delivers low noise and high efficiency at optimal speeds. It is 100% electrically powered, environmentally friendly, and is an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft type that does not require a runway, ensuring high safety and reliability, the company explained.

SK Telecom is tasked with demonstrating and establishing the aviation traffic communication network model. To safely control UAM, a stable communication system connecting aircraft and ground is essential. SKT will build a network to provide optimal communication environments not only on the ground but also in the air. Korea Airports Corporation is responsible for UAM takeoff and landing sites and traffic management, while Korea Transport Institute handles service demand forecasting and public acceptance research.

The four companies plan to maximize synergy by combining their capabilities to lead the domestic and international UAM markets. Additionally, as representative companies of 'UAM Team Korea' led by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, they will jointly conduct demonstration tests and scenario design.

Kim Yeon-cheol, President of Hanwha Systems, said, "We aim to provide comprehensive solutions for future mobility and explore business opportunities extensively with leading companies in the industry," adding, "Through this four-party cooperation system, we will contribute to Korea's preemption of the global UAM market."