South Korea has unveiled a new stealth drone classified as a Loyal Wingman, known as the Low Observable Unmanned Wingman System (LOWUS). It is intended to operate alongside the domestically produced KF-21 Boramae fighter jet. The country aims to expand its use of such platforms for various missions, with the first LOWUS prototype developed by Korean Air in collaboration with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD).
The LOWUS program began in 2021 with a research and development phase. The first flight of the prototype is expected by the end of this year, with initial flight tests planned for 2027. These tests will include a piloted aircraft controlling the drone in flight.
The new unmanned system is designed from the outset to operate in swarms, controlled by a fighter jet pilot while maintaining a high degree of autonomy. The drone is expected to function as a Loyal Wingman, carrying out reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and strike missions in support of manned fighter aircraft, including the KF-21.
The LOWUS drone is designed with stealth characteristics. Visually, it closely resembles the XQ-58A Valkyrie from Kratos and shares some similarities with the MQ-28 Ghost Bat (formerly known as the Airpower Teaming System). Like the Valkyrie, LOWUS features a stealthy trapezoidal fuselage, sharply swept main wings, a V-tail configuration, and an air intake positioned above the fuselage.
However, the South Korean drone has a distinctive electro-optical sensor housed in a turret under its nose. It is also equipped with a domestically produced engine and is likely to feature an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, also developed locally.
South Korea has been working on developing a drone system that can be controlled by a pilot for some time. In October 2021, it was announced that Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the lead company behind the KF-21 program, secured a $3.4 million contract for the rapid development of such technology. However, it is not immediately clear whether this effort is directly linked to the LOWUS program or if it is a separate initiative.
Having a stealth drone in the role of a Loyal Wingman for the KF-21 makes a lot of sense, especially given that the initial version of the fighter lacks high-end stealth characteristics like the F-35. The KF-21, at least in its early variants, carries all its weaponry externally rather than in internal bays.
In addition, the KF-21 will only be used in the “air-to-air” Block 1 variant, which makes the LOWUS drone, capable of carrying “air-to-ground” munitions, a valuable addition. It will be able to pursue ground targets identified by the KF-21. Only the KF-21 Block 2 version will have “air-to-ground” capabilities.
Of course, the LOWUS could have practical applications beyond the KF-21. For example, it could serve as support for light combat aircraft like the FA-50 or be an attractive option for export. South Korea is becoming an increasingly significant player in the global arms market, and a Loyal Wingman that can be integrated with a variety of other combat aircraft would be a compelling offering.
Source: twz
