Gangwon-do Promotes Development of Liquefied Hydrogen-Based Special Purpose 'Drone'

Over 200 Companies Developing Aircraft... Market Size Expected to Reach 13 Trillion Won by 2040

Graphic image [Asia Economy DB]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Gangwon Province is promoting the development of special-purpose drones based on liquefied hydrogen to foster the manned and unmanned aerial vehicle industry.

According to the province on the 23rd, the development of a drone taxi prototype is expected to serve as a catalyst for the drone industry, and plans are underway to establish infrastructure such as a support center for attracting related companies and demonstration tests.

In particular, given the mountainous terrain in the Gangwon region, the value of drone utilization is anticipated to be high in disaster patrol and communication, search and rescue, and emergency medical services.

Additionally, due to its low noise, large size, long-distance, and long-duration operation capabilities, it is also attracting attention as a solution to reduce military units in border areas for military purposes.

Once liquefied hydrogen-based drone taxis are commercialized, it is expected to overcome the operational time and distance limitations of existing battery drones and be utilized in various fields.

Liquefied hydrogen is a sector in which Gangwon Province, designated as a regulatory free zone, is promoting production, transportation, and storage demonstration projects.

The province expects the drone taxi sector to achieve a market size of 13 trillion won by 2040 as a new concept mobility.

Currently, about 200 companies, including those in the aviation industry, automobile industry, and startups, are developing aircraft.

Within the province, Yeongwol-gun has already been designated as a drone-exclusive test airspace and is operating a flight test site, and last month, Wonju was designated as a special drone free zone.

Governor Choi Moon-soon said, "Starting with the development of a liquefied hydrogen UAM (drone taxi) prototype, we will secure technological capabilities in the special-purpose drone field and lead the related industry to create future jobs in Gangwon Province."

Meanwhile, Gangwon Technopark and ThisIsEngineering have signed a business agreement to develop a UAM prototype and decided to begin basic design.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.