[KADEX On-site] Hyundai Rotem's 4th Generation Multipurpose Unmanned Vehicle... "Protecting Lives through Automation and Electrification"

Multifunctional Roles Including Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Combat, and Evacuation
Showcasing Wheeled Armored Vehicles Exported to Peru

On the 2nd (local time), the multipurpose unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), HR-Sherpa, exhibited by Hyundai Rotem at the Korea International Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX) booth.

Hyundai Rotem showcased the 4th generation model of the HR-SHERPA, a multipurpose unmanned electric vehicle equipped with new unmanned and electrification technologies, at the Korea International Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX) held from the 2nd to the 6th at Gyeryongdae in Gyeryong-si, Chungnam. This unmanned vehicle aims to protect soldiers' lives on the battlefield and contribute to security through advanced technology under the concept of 'Human in Technology.'

On the 2nd, Hyundai Rotem participated in KADEX to unveil the multipurpose unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) HR-SHERPA, a state-of-the-art unmanned vehicle developed through collaboration between Hyundai Rotem and Hyundai Motor Company in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous driving, unmanned systems, and electrification. Previously, in 2020, Hyundai Rotem solely secured the rapid demonstration acquisition project for multipurpose unmanned vehicles and delivered two such vehicles to the Army in 2021, continuously dedicating efforts to developing new unmanned vehicles since then.

Leveraging the characteristics of an electrification-based unmanned vehicle, the HR-SHERPA possesses extensibility to perform various missions such as surveillance, reconnaissance, combat, casualty evacuation, and logistics transport on behalf of humans. Hyundai Rotem has evolved the quality and performance of the HR-SHERPA through over six years of research and development, from the first-generation prototype to the 4th generation model.

On the 2nd (local time), the performance-enhanced K2 tank exhibited by Hyundai Rotem at the Korea International Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX) booth.

Alongside the HR-SHERPA, Hyundai Rotem also unveiled an upgraded version of the K2 tank. Based on the domestically deployed K2 tank, various latest battlefield equipment and devices have been added to enhance its performance compared to before. The tank’s survivability has been strengthened with the installation of an active protection system (Hard-kill) that intercepts and neutralizes incoming projectiles such as anti-tank missiles. Additionally, a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS) and a battlefield situational awareness system providing 360-degree visibility have been applied to enable more effective tank operation.

The wheeled armored vehicle recently exported to the Peruvian Army was also showcased. New technologies such as run-flat tires that allow driving even if the tires are punctured by enemy fire, and a central tire inflation system (CTIS) that automatically adjusts tire pressure according to ground contact pressure, have been introduced. Furthermore, from the development stage, a modular concept was incorporated to allow the vehicle to be equipped with various weapons and equipment depending on the mission.

A Hyundai Rotem official stated, "The HR-SHERPA is an electric vehicle powered by batteries that can be charged in combat zones using portable generators. It is specialized to move alongside soldiers, carrying loads and transporting patients." He added, "We continue to optimize its performance and enhance its completeness through real-world military feedback."