A Mojave short take-off and landing aircraft has landed on a rough manoeuvre trail used by South Korean tanks and artillery vehicles during a live-fire range demonstration, taking off again afterwards to continue its mission, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems stated.
The company describes it as the first time a medium altitude, long endurance uncrewed aircraft has conducted flight operations from a simulated battlefield, and carried out the demonstration with Hanwha Aerospace at the Defense Drone Technology Exhibition north of Seoul.
Linden Blue, chief executive of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, said: “This demonstration showcased Mojave’s ability to perform tactical missions that are representative of real battlefield requirements and challenges. Whether the user needs contested and austere battlefield operations, ISR, weapons delivery, Air-Launched Effects deployment, troop resupply, counter-UAS, or missions requiring short and unimproved roads for takeoff, our aircraft answer the bell.”
Buhwan Lee, chief executive nominee of Hanwha Aerospace, said: “This demonstration marks an important milestone in delivering tangible results through the partnership between Hanwha and GA-ASI. Going forward, we will work closely with the ROK defense industry to develop unmanned systems designed for future operating environments and expand our presence in global markets.”
The aircraft was configured with dual weapon rails and inert payloads, flying a concept of operations intended to show how short take-off capability improves operational flexibility, survivability and responsiveness. Under the control of pilots at ground control stations, it took off from the conventional runway at the Republic of Korea Army’s 513th Aviation Battalion, flew to the Seungjin Training Field in Pocheon-si to join air operations, landed on the manoeuvre trail, took off again and returned to the battalion.
According to the company, soldiers in an actual combat situation could have refuelled and rearmed the aircraft during its time on the ground at the range, and it states that no other aircraft with Mojave’s endurance, range or payload has that ability.
General Atomics announced in 2025 that it was partnering with Hanwha to co-develop and co-produce short take-off aircraft for a worldwide customer base, including the South Korean Ministry of National Defense, the United States Department of War and other customers. Critical design review for a production Mojave is expected in November, with first flight in 2027.
The demonstrator is due to travel to Changwon for Hanwha’s industry day on 21 September, an event the company says will include a range of South Korean suppliers, many of them contributing to production of the aircraft.
Mojave is a development of the Gray Eagle airframe fitted with an enlarged wing, high-lift devices and a more powerful engine, giving it the ability to operate from strips far shorter than a conventional runway. The aircraft is known in Britain for a trial in November 2023 when it operated from HMS Prince of Wales off the American east coast, the first time an uncrewed aircraft of that size and weight had flown from a Royal Navy carrier.
The appeal of a short field capability rests on where the aircraft can be based. A drone that needs a prepared runway depends on a small number of airfields an opponent can locate and strike, while one that can work from a road or a track can be dispersed, moved and hidden in ways that complicate targeting considerably.
South Korea has been expanding its uncrewed capability, and Hanwha Aerospace has grown into one of the largest defence exporters in Asia, with recent orders from Poland among other customers.
Have there been any developments in GA’s plan to fit MQ9-b with a stol kit? Seems to have gone quiet with US more interested in cheaper versions like Wildfire.