Raphael Thys
A mockup of the KCD-200, a prospective cargo drone, was unveiled at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) by South Korean aerospace and defense company, LIG Nex1.
The drone will be powered by hydrogen cells and boast a cargo capacity of 200 kilograms (440 pounds).
The manufacturer also claims that it can be used for both civilian and military applications.
LIG Nex1 unveiled a model of the KCD-200 heavy-lift UAV, which is being developed to meet defence and commercial logistics requirements. The effort leverages on the company's experience in UAV development and systems integration. Via @JanesINTEL #ADEX2021 pic.twitter.com/aGbM6yeK8N
The KCD-200 was announced in May 2021, after LIG Nex1 was awarded a 44.3 billion won ($37.6 million) five-year contract by South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to develop a hydrogen-powered cargo drone.
No production and testing deadlines or further details have been revealed, but the terms of the contract suggest that the development phase will end in 2026.
LIG Nex1 is known for manufacturing weapons systems, avionics, radars and unmanned aerial vehicles as well as other military technology, including the Chiron air-to-surface missile system and the Haeseong cruise missile. Both have been adopted by the South Korean military.