The Ship-deployed USV is set to be deployed aboard some of ROK Navy’s core combat vessels such as frigates and destroyers. It is considered a key component of the ROK Navy’s future operation of unmanned naval assets as part of the Navy Sea GHOST concept. The fact the USV is set to be launched, recovered and controlled from another ship indicates that the ROK Navy is also embracing the Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) concept.
HHI teaming up with LIG Nex1
As the prime contractor for the concept design, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will come up with a new design that matches the size and ROC (Requirement of Operation Capability) requested by the ROK Navy. LIG Nex1 as an experienced USV developer (with the Combat USV Sea Sword), will provide technical advisory. Additionally, through this conceptual design contract, Hyundai Heavy Industries plans to comprehensively develop the operational concept (CONOPS) of the Ship-deployed USV, the optimal size and layout for deployment on ships, command and control strategies with the naval ship, and policies for autonomous navigation.
Cooperation between HHI and LIG Nex1 in the project is expected to create a great synergies between the renown ship builder and the developer of unmanned systems. The ship-deployed USV prototype showcased by LIG Nex1 is Sea Sword-V. Sea Sword-V is 9m long, 2.3m wide with maximum speed of 40kts, maximum operation range of 15km, maximum cruising range of 120NM and is known to be able to operate at SEA STATE 4. It can be mounted with 12.7mm turret or water cannon depending on its user whether the ROK Navy or the Korea Coast Guards. It implemented an adjustable mast so that its radars and EO/IR sensors can be lowered to fit in the hangars.
HCX-23 drone mothership
HD HHI has been engaged in the research and development of an optionally manned command and control vessel. Acting as a mothership for unmanned systems, it can conduct unmanned reconnaissance missions on the surface, underwater, and air using UAVs, USVs, and UUVs. This R&D began in May 2022 and was completed in December of the same year. The conceptual design vessel known as HCX-23 was first unveiled at MADEX 2023 last year.
HCX-23 is an in-house concept design of mothership for the ROK Navy’s unmanned systems. The showcased HCX-23 6,000-ton trimaran ship featured 48 VLS, single main gun, large launch pad behind the deck to operate vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAVs and has doors in the stern to deploy and recover USVs and UUVs. This was one of the three designs HD HHI has developed in-house as an unmanned mothership and the smallest.
The ROK Navy is accelerating the implementation of the Navy Sea GHOST concept in response to the demographic crisis currently facing the Republic of Korea, which has led to the highest manpower shortage in the Navy among all three military branches. To address this gap, the Navy is urgently seeking to acquire unmanned assets. Consequently, significant competition for unmanned systems programs is anticipated by the end of this year as multiple companies vie to meet the urgent requirements.
Video interview with HHI on HCX-23 at MADEX 2023:
