[Asia Economy Reporter Su-yeon Woo] Hyundai Rotem is showcasing weapon systems optimized for future battlefield environments by leveraging hydrogen and unmanned technologies.
On the 19th, Hyundai Rotem announced that it will participate in the 'Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX 2021)' held at Seoul Airport in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province from the 19th to the 23rd.
Hyundai Rotem, together with Hyundai Motor Group affiliates such as Kia and Hyundai Wia, has set up a joint exhibition hall to focus on showcasing actual weapon systems and next-generation new technologies to respond to future battlefield environments. In particular, leading with the 'DOSS (Daring Operations in Service and Search)' model unveiled for the first time at this exhibition, they will present products that integrate hydrogen and unmanned system technologies such as defense drones and multipurpose unmanned vehicles, outlining a future roadmap for defense technology.
Overview of Hyundai Rotem exhibition hall participating in Seoul ADEX 2021 exhibition / Photo by Hyundai Rotem
The DOSS, which Hyundai Rotem is mainly unveiling at this exhibition, is the world's first transformable future ground platform (Ultimate Mobility Vehicle) that combines intelligent robot technology with wheels to freely move across rough terrains where off-road vehicles cannot go. It is a product that integrates Hyundai Motor Group's intelligent robot technology and artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
DOSS is equipped with four robotic legs and wheels, allowing it to drive at speed with four-wheel drive on flat terrain and to move freely using the walking ability of the intelligent robotic legs on rough terrain. It also supports remote control and autonomous driving, enabling it to perform various missions such as surveillance reconnaissance, perimeter security, casualty transport, and logistics transport according to combat missions. Additionally, it can be used for civilian purposes such as firefighting and leisure activities. The DOSS displayed in person at this exhibition is an unmanned model, and there is also a manned model that can carry passengers.
Alongside this, Hyundai Rotem is also showcasing the 'Defense Drone,' the first hydrogen fuel cell-based unmanned platform in the domestic defense sector. The Defense Drone is a hydrogen fuel cell-based concept vehicle developed based on the 'Rescue Drone' introduced at the 2021 Hydrogen Mobility+ Show held at KINTEX in Ilsan last September. It is equipped with a flying drone capable of communication relay and surveillance reconnaissance, and a remote weapon system that provides fire support.
It also supports remote and autonomous driving and features a front and rear independent steering system that enables it to turn in place or move diagonally with a 'Crab Walk.' Its top speed exceeds 120 km/h, and it can travel approximately 450 km on a single charge.
Exterior view of Hyundai Rotem exhibition hall participating in Seoul ADEX 2021 / Photo by Hyundai Rotem
Furthermore, Hyundai Rotem exhibited a multipurpose unmanned vehicle equipped with the Hyeongung anti-tank guided missile for infantry use, applying 4th industrial technologies such as autonomous driving. The multipurpose unmanned vehicle is an electric vehicle powered by batteries, capable of unmanned operation including remote driving, dependent driving, and autonomous driving along waypoints, making it versatile for various purposes.
In addition, Hyundai Rotem plans to showcase the actual models of the Norwegian-type K2 tank 'K2NO' and a wheeled medical evacuation vehicle, along with next-generation tanks, obstacle-clearing tanks, and hydrogen refueling station models, to demonstrate its competitiveness as a leading company in ground weapon systems and hydrogen technology.
The K2NO, unveiled for the first time at this exhibition, is a Norway-customized tank proposed for the ongoing Norwegian tank procurement project. Compared to the existing K2 tank, it has been modified to meet local requirements, including the application of an active protection system that intercepts projectiles flying toward the tank to enhance protection and the installation of an RCWS capable of unmanned firing.
The wheeled medical evacuation vehicle is based on the existing 8x8 wheeled armored vehicle platform and is a series vehicle that can rapidly provide emergency treatment and evacuation for up to six patients on the battlefield, leveraging the protection and mobility of the wheeled armored vehicle. Inside the vehicle, medical kits including stretchers, oxygen supply devices, automated external defibrillators, and spinal protectors are installed to enable basic emergency treatment. It also features a stretcher transfer device that allows patients lying on stretchers to be automatically loaded and unloaded from the vehicle.
A Hyundai Rotem official said, "Through this exhibition, we plan to showcase the competitiveness of various products incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as hydrogen, unmanned systems, AI, and autonomous driving, and to present Hyundai Rotem's direction for the future defense industry. We will continue to develop advanced products such as unmanned vehicles suitable for future tactical environments and secure core technologies to contribute to the development of South Korea's defense industry."
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