Korea
Aerospace Industries (KAI) is developing a new long-range guided weapon that
can cruise to a location and subsequently, loiter and attack when a target is
identified.
The
system is called "Devil Killer" and has a maximum speed that ranges
between 350-400km/h (189-216kt), says KAI. It navigates using GPS and a data
link, and the company refers to it as a "suicide combat unmanned air
vehicle".
"After
[the Devil Killer] moves to the target point along the pre-programmed route,
which is designated with navigation points, the operator can identify targets
through the forward-looking camera image and then commence either a manual or
automatic strike," says KAI.
The
system is powered by an electric motor and weighs 25kg (55lb), with a length of
1.5m (4.92ft). Details of its explosive payload, endurance and range are
confidential.
If a
target is not identified, the system can be retrieved and re-used. At present,
the company is focusing on a surface-launched version, but eventually, it hopes
to develop an air-launched variant.
The
company aims to pitch the system to the South Korean armed forces and foreign
buyers.
