Reconnaissance, Strike, and Transport Drones Take Off... LIG Nex1 Participates in Gyeongbuk Aerospace Defense Logistics Expo

FA-50 AESA Radar and Guided Weapons on Display

LIG Nex1 participated in the ‘2023 Gyeongbuk Aerospace Defense Logistics Expo (GADLEX 2023)’ to showcase cutting-edge weapon systems such as drones and guided missiles.

The expo is hosted by Gyeongbuk Province and Gumi City, organized by the Korea Aerospace Industries Association (KAIA), and opened on the 6th, running for three days until the 8th at GumiCO.

Held for the first time this year in Gumi City, designated as a defense industry innovation cluster, the expo features participation from over 70 companies and organizations. Depending on the success of the event, it is expected to become a regular occurrence in the future.

The exhibition is divided into three sectors: aerospace defense, UAM, and logistics. LIG Nex1 displayed the FA-50 AESA radar, small reconnaissance and strike hybrid drones, 40kg transport drones, as well as guided missiles such as Hyungung and Cheongung II.

Lee Cheol-woo, Governor of Gyeongbuk, Kim Jang-ho, Mayor of Gumi, and other attendees are inspecting advanced weapons at the 2023 Gyeongbuk Aerospace Defense Logistics Expo.

The ‘FA-50 AESA radar’ is the first domestically developed air-cooled AESA radar for fighter jets. Compared to the mechanically scanned radar (MSA, Mechanical Scanned Array) currently equipped on the FA-50, it offers multiple advantages including ‘simultaneous detection/tracking of multiple targets’ and ‘simultaneous tracking of air and ground targets.’ It achieves miniaturization and lightweight design by applying transmit/receive modules using GaN (Gallium Nitride) devices.

The ‘small reconnaissance and strike hybrid drone,’ an attack drone, is capable of surveillance reconnaissance and precision strikes on key targets. It was selected for the Defense Acquisition Program Administration’s rapid demonstration acquisition project and delivered to the Republic of Korea Army, where its performance was verified.

To enhance operational convenience, a tilt-type drive unit was applied to enable vertical takeoff and landing without the need for a runway. The drone is designed to be disassembled and stored in a backpack to perform missions without terrain restrictions. It is equipped with domestically produced high-performance electro-optical (EO) cameras, infrared (IR) cameras, and a laser rangefinder.

The ‘40kg payload transport multicopter-type drone’ is under development as part of a dual-use technology development project jointly invested by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration through the Agency for Defense Development’s Civil-Military Cooperation Promotion Institute.

LIG Nex1 is responsible for system integration. In line with the eco-friendly trend, a hybrid engine system combining an internal combustion engine with a battery is applied, enabling flight times of over 60 minutes.

In disaster situations, it can supply relief goods to isolated areas or redistribute military supplies to dispersed units during wartime.

‘Hyungung’ is an anti-tank guided missile that can be operated by individual soldiers or mounted on small tactical vehicles. It is capable of day and night firing and improves hit rate and penetration through top and frontal attack guidance methods. Compared to similar foreign weapon systems, it is smaller and lighter, making it easier to operate, and excels in effective range, penetration, optical performance, and detection/tracking capabilities, securing export competitiveness.

The surface-to-air missile Cheongung II is a core weapon system of the Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system, responsible for mid-range and medium-altitude interception of ballistic missiles.

It demonstrates high-speed, high-maneuverability capabilities to accurately intercept evasive targets and has the ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously. It is a world-class air defense weapon system capable of performing effective air defense missions even under electronic warfare conditions.

Kim Ji-chan, CEO of LIG Nex1, stated, “LIG Nex1 has made many efforts to fulfill its role as a member of the local community,” adding, “Showcasing advanced radar and drone technologies will serve as an opportunity to enhance LIG Nex1’s brand value within the local community.”

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