The U.S., which declared retaliation after the suicide bombing of the Kabul airport by the armed group Islamic State in Afghanistan (IS-K), also increased the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for precision strikes. According to the Center for Drone Research at Bard College in New York, as of last year, 95 countries around the world are estimated to have more than 30,000 military drones.
I visited Taekyung Electronics located in Anyang, Gyeonggi-do on the 18th to check the domestic military drone technology.
I entered the factory line wearing antistatic shoes that can prevent static electricity. The production of the printed circuit board to serve as the brain of the drone was in full swing. Since it was necessary to precisely attach even 1mm-level parts on the circuit board, it was carried out with 100% automation. Drones produced here are divided into small drones weighing less than 2kg, medium-sized drones between 2 and 25kg, and large drones weighing more than 25kg. On the third floor, we could see a medium-sized drone measuring 70cm in width and length. The medium-sized drone was equipped with a high-performance camera capable of identifying objects up to 2 km away. The company explains that it can fly normally while overcoming winds of 10m per second.
It is estimated that there are about 300 domestic drone manufacturers. Among them, Taekyung Electronics is the only one that developed a searchlight for drones. The searchlight mounted on the drone was only 15cm in width and height, but it had various functions. It had a built-in speaker that could transmit sound up to 30 meters and a high-definition camera. “The drone delivered to the Gangwon fire station is equipped with a searchlight that can illuminate up to 50m at night,” said Kim Young-joon, head of R&D. “It will play a big role in disaster relief.”
Drones with enhanced functions are also being developed. In January, it also developed a drone with a payload weight of 200 kg in cooperation with LIG Nex1, a domestic defense industry, Korea Aerospace Research Institute, and the 31st Army Division. In particular, it plans to commercialize technology based on eco-friendly hydrogen fuel cells with high energy density to overcome the operating time limitations of existing drones.
It is estimated that there are about 300 domestic drone manufacturers. Among them, Taekyung Electronics is the only one that developed a searchlight for drones. The searchlight mounted on the drone was only 15cm in width and height, but it had various functions. It had a built-in speaker that could transmit sound up to 30 meters and a high-definition camera. “The drone delivered to the Gangwon fire station is equipped with a searchlight that can illuminate up to 50m at night,” said Kim Young-joon, head of R&D. “It will play a big role in disaster relief.”
Drones with enhanced functions are also being developed. In January, it also developed a drone with a payload weight of 200 kg in cooperation with LIG Nex1, a domestic defense industry, Korea Aerospace Research Institute, and the 31st Army Division. In particular, it plans to commercialize technology based on eco-friendly hydrogen fuel cells with high energy density to overcome the operating time limitations of existing drones.
If this drone is developed, the industry sees that it will advance the era of urban air mobility.
Military dog tracking technology is also being developed. It is a method of searching and reconnaissance with a drone following a military dog with a location information system (GPS) around its neck. Enemies or dangerous materials can be detected from a distance first, so soldiers can be guaranteed safety. The industry explained that if AI-based image analysis technology is applied to this technology, the mission of soldiers can be replaced. Once the Korean K-Drone system is established, terrain and weather information analysis using big data will be possible in both the military and civilian sectors.
Ahn Hye-ri, CEO of the company, said, “Currently, Chinese drones dominate not only the military but also the civilian market. “he said.
Source : Reporter Yang Nak-gyu | Asia Economy
