ADEX 2023: Poongsan progresses development of civil-military commercialisation project

AMAD quadcopter by Poongsan can carry three explosive warheads on the belly section of its central module. (Janes/Amit Kalra)

Korean firm Poongsan showcased the latest iteration of the Aerial Munition Attack Drone (AMAD) system at Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2023 held from 17 to 22 October in Seoul.

Speaking to Janes, Poongsan said that they are progressing with the development of the AMAD system also known as the civil-military commercialisation project. A project valued at KRW1.99 billion (USD1.46 million), and jointly researched with Preneu Co Ltd, it intends to develop an aerial system that will be used in engaging hostile targets in the form of heavy armoured vehicles and solo troops. The explosive warhead will be programmed to have impact and timed detonation, and self-destruct in case of misfire.

A single AMAD system would comprise an aerial vehicle, one ground control station (GCS), and three explosive warheads.

The planned operating parameters of the AMAD vehicle include a flight endurance in excess of 30 min, an operating range of 5 km, an operating speed of 50 km/h, an attack altitude of 150 m, and the capability to carry three explosive warheads specially designed for the AMAD system. Upon acquiring and identifying the target, the operator will be able to arm the warheads from the GCS. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) will be operable in windspeed up to 7 m/s, Poongsan said.