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.

Operators

Joseon

• Royal Joseon Armed Forces