RQ-95K Dulumi

RQ-95K Dulumi
Role
Manufacturer	Daesung Aerospace,. Inc.
Introduction	November 2016
Status	In service
Produced	2012–present
Program cost	$ 9 billion
Unit cost	$135.3 Million

The RQ-95K Dulumi is a high-altitude, remotely-piloted surveillance aircraft introduced in 2016. The RQ-95K provides a broad overview and systematic surveillance using high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors with long loiter times over target areas.

The RQ-95K Dulumi is operated by the Royal Joseon Air Force (RJAF). It is used as a high-altitude long endurance (HALE) platform covering the spectrum of intelligence collection capability to support forces in worldwide military operations. According to the USAF, the superior surveillance capabilities of the aircraft allow more precise weapons targeting and better protection of friendly forces.

Development

Until 2008, the Royal Joseon Air Force operated the RQ-4 Global Hawk as the only MALE UAV. However, as the cost of the RQ-4 Global Hawk program increased and the program scaled down in the U.S., questions were raised about the continuity and affordability of the Global Hawk program within Joseon. Accordingly, the Ministry of Defense of Joseon started the next-generation domestic MALE UAV project, replacing the Global Hawk program, which is questioned about its sustainability, and purchasing domestic UAVs to reduce technology accumulation and maintenance costs, and pursue stable operation.

A total of three companies participated in the next-generation domestic UAV development project. Among them, the XQ-95 model of Daesung Aerospace was finally selected, and the development of UAVs began in 2009.

Design

Overview

The RQ-95K UAV system comprises the RQ-95K air vehicle, which is outfitted with various equipment such as sensor packages and communication systems, and a ground element consisting of a Launch and Recovery Element (LRE), and a Mission Control Element (MCE) with ground communications equipment. Each RQ-95K air vehicle is powered by a Hanwha Aerospace JT-163 turbofan engine with 8,430 lbf thrust, and carries a payload of 4,000 pounds (1,814 kilograms). The fuselage uses aluminum, semi-monocoque construction with a V-tail; the wings are made of composite materials.

The RQ-95K is capable of conducting sorties lasting up to 30 hours long and scheduled maintenance must be performed sooner than on other aircraft with less endurance. However, since it flies at higher altitudes than normal aircraft, it experiences less wear during flight. It can survey as much as 40,000 square miles (100,000 km2) of terrain per day, an area the size of the southern part of the Korean Peninsula or Iceland.

System and ground facilities

The RQ-95K is capable of operating autonomously and "untethered". A military satellite system (X Band Satellite Communication) is used for sending data from the aircraft to the Mission Control Element(MCE). The common data link can also be used for direct down link of imagery when the UAV is within line-of-sight of compatible ground stations. For dense flight areas the autonomous navigation is switched off and the RQ-95K is remote controlled via the satellite link by pilots on the ground who are supplied with the same instrument data and who carry the same responsibilities as pilots in manned planes.

The ground segment consists of a Mission Control Element (MCE) and Launch and Recovery Element (LRE), provided by Raytheon. The MCE is used for mission planning, command and control, and image processing and dissemination; an LRE for controlling launch and recovery; and associated ground support equipment. The LRE provides precision Differential GPS corrections for navigational accuracy during takeoff and landings, while precision coded KPS(Korea Positioning System) supplemented with an inertial navigation system is used during mission execution. By having separable elements in the ground segment, the MCE and the LRE can operate in geographically separate locations, and the MCE can be deployed with the supported command's primary exploitation site. Both ground segments are contained in military shelters with external antennas for line-of-sight and satellite communications with the RQ-95K.

Sensors

The RQ-95K uses a SAR(Synthetic-aperture radar) radar, EO(Electro-optical) sensors, and IR(Thermographic camera) cameras to monitor targets and target points.

Operators

Joseon

• Royal Joseon Armed Forces