Hanwha Aero Demonstrates Advanced Multipurpose Unmanned Vehicle Performance for US Military

On the 29th, 'Arionsmet' Test at Pyeongtaek Base... US 8th Army Command Observes

Arionsmet, a small multipurpose unmanned vehicle capable of autonomous driving in open fields. Photo by Hanwha Aerospace

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] Hanwha Aerospace showcased next-generation robots and unmanned systems based on advanced technology to the world’s strongest U.S. military forces.

Hanwha Aerospace announced on the 29th that it conducted a performance demonstration of the future-type multipurpose unmanned vehicle 'Arion-SMET' at the U.S. Forces Korea Pyeongtaek base, 'Camp Humphreys.'

This performance demonstration was carried out at the request of the Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC), under the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), which jointly researches unmanned vehicle systems with Hanwha Aerospace’s Manned-Unmanned Complex Research Center.

Arion-SMET is the latest upgraded version of a 4-wheeled multipurpose unmanned vehicle for infantry combat support, developed by Hanwha Aerospace from 2016 to 2019 as part of the first-ever civilian-military technology cooperation project in Korea.

Previously, the U.S. Department of Defense showed interest in Hanwha Aerospace’s advanced ground unmanned system technology by selecting Arion-SMET as the first overseas comparative performance test (FCT[2]) equipment among military unmanned vehicles developed in Korea.

On this day, Hanwha Aerospace demonstrated various technologies of Arion-SMET optimized for combined manned-unmanned operations in infantry units, including ▲remote and autonomous driving ▲obstacle avoidance ▲autonomous return ▲gunshot detection ▲vehicle and soldier following, capable of performing combat on behalf of soldiers in high-risk battlefields. The event was attended by key U.S. military officials, including Mark A. Holler, Deputy Commander of U.S. Eighth Army Operations.

Seo Young-woo, an executive at Hanwha Aerospace’s Manned-Unmanned Complex Research Center, stated, “Arion-SMET demonstrated excellent performance and tactical operation during the South Korean Army’s export weapon system military trial operation last year,” adding, “We are in discussions with U.S. Forces Korea for trial operations and plan to fully participate in the U.S. Department of Defense’s performance comparison program and rapid acquisition projects.”

Arion-SMET’s payload capacity has more than doubled to 550kg, significantly enhancing combat support capabilities such as transporting combat supplies and evacuating wounded soldiers. It can travel over 100km on a single electric charge. It also features a ‘smart autonomous return’ function that allows it to recover itself or return to the initial departure point even if remote communication is lost in mountainous terrain.

Hanwha Aerospace independently developed and equipped Arion-SMET with a remote firing control system that can automatically aim and track targets, detect gunshots, and autonomously turn its weapon to attack, providing close combat support capabilities.