KAL-ASD Advances Collaborative Combat Aircraft Development
Overview of LOWUS Prototypes
Korean Air Aerospace Division (KAL-ASD) has developed two functional prototypes of its Low Observable Unmanned Wingman System (LOWUS), designed as a collaborative combat aircraft (CCA). The company is gearing up for flight testing, as confirmed by a company representative during the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2025.
- Specifications:
- Length: 10.4 meters
- Wingspan: 9.4 meters
- Height: 2.8 meters
- Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW): 5,700 kg
- Payload Capacity: TBD
Technological Features and Capabilities
The LOWUS prototypes are equipped with powerful 5,500 lbf engines sourced from Ukraine. These aircraft are engineered to operate alongside both manned fighters and other unmanned platforms, enhancing operational versatility in joint missions.
Key Developments at ADEX 2025
At ADEX 2025, held from October 17 to 24 in South Korea, KAL-ASD unveiled its new multirole KUS-FX small unmanned collaborative aircraft (SUCA). This CCA is intended to function in conjunction with the LOWUS and traditional manned combat jets, demonstrating KAL-ASD’s commitment to integrated aerospace solutions.
Testing Timeline and Future Plans
- The initial flight test of the LOWUS is anticipated to occur in the first half of 2026, with radar cross-section (RCS) testing scheduled around April 2026.
- South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD), the lead agency for the LOWUS initiative, has indicated that the first manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) trial is slated for 2027. This will involve a human operator directly controlling the UAV in flight.
Conclusion
Both LOWUS prototypes are fully outfitted with the necessary equipment and technologies to conduct flight operations, marking a significant leap forward in the realm of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities. This initiative not only underscores South Korea’s advancements in defense technology but also reinforces the strategic importance of collaborative combat systems in modern warfare.
