North Korea unveils heavy Satbyol-4 and Satbyol-9 UAVs

Satellite photo of a new UAV at Panhyeong Airfield, June 2023. Photo by Planet Labs

To the best of its ability, on its own and with support from abroad, the DPRK seeks to develop all areas of the defense industry and develop systems of various classes. Recently it became known that North Korean aircraft manufacturers have developed and brought to testing two promising heavy-duty unmanned aerial vehicles at once. The other day, these products under the names "Saetbyol-4" and "Saetbyol-9" were officially presented to the public.

According to intelligence

In early June, the satellite of the commercial operator Planet Labs took photographs of the North Korean air base Panhyun. Previously unknown samples hit the lens for the first time aviation techniques of great interest. On the runway and nearby walkways there were objects similar to heavy UAVs.

Foreign experts and specialized publications analyzed the photographs and determined that there are two drone different types, as well as related ground facilities. According to various landmarks, the approximate dimensions of the devices were determined. So, one of them has a straight wing span of approx. 20 m and is similar to the American MQ-9 Reaper UAV. The second one is much larger - its wingspan reaches 35 m, i.e. at the level of the American RQ-4 Global Hawk.

Kim Jong-un and Sergei Shoigu get acquainted with new North Korean developments. On the right is the Satbyol-4 UAV. Photo by CTAC

Based on the external similarity, foreign experts tried to speculate and draw conclusions. Basically, it all came down to theses about trying to copy quite old samples from world industry leaders. At the same time, they did not forget to mention the alleged technical backwardness of the DPRK, because of which new UAV projects are almost doomed to failure. However, such assessments appear every time after the “premiere” of a new product from North Korea.

Official presentation

A few days ago, an annual exhibition of weapons and military equipment was opened in Pyongyang, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the end of the Korean War. This event is a traditional platform for the first demonstrations of new technology, recently developed and put into service.

This year, one of the main novelties of the exhibition was two heavy UAVs of their own North Korean design. Judging by their appearance and size, it is precisely these (or the same) devices that were previously filmed by a foreign satellite at Panhyeong airfield. The products are reportedly given the common name "Morning Star". The smaller drone is named "Saetbyul-9", the larger one is named "Saetbyul-4"

Guests of the exhibition at the UAV "Satbyol-9". Photo by CTAC

The main guests of the exhibition - the head of the DPRK Kim Jong-un and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, got acquainted with the new drones. Representatives of the development organization reported to the head of the country on the work carried out and the successes achieved.

On July 27, a military parade was held in Pyongyang to commemorate the 70th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic Liberation War. Both new UAVs took part in the air part of the parade. Then, several Satbyol-9 products were transported on transporters as part of the Morning Star-4 mechanized convoy on the ground. Probably due to the large size.

In addition, they showed a short video showing flight tests of two promising UAVs. In it, the devices flew and maneuvered, and also carried out missile launches. This shows that both products have already been brought to full-fledged flight tests with the development of combat use.

Against the background of the heavy Satbyul-4. On the right is a stand with photographs of equipment in flight. Photo by CTAC

"Morning Star-9"

The Satbyol-9 product is a heavy class UAV designed for air reconnaissance and strikes against ground targets. Outwardly, it looks like the American MQ-9 Reaper drone, which may indicate the borrowing and use of foreign ideas and solutions. In this case, probably, we are not talking about direct copying of the finished sample.

Satbyul-9 is built according to the normal aerodynamic scheme and has an elongated thin fuselage with an enlarged nose and a characteristic air intake in the tail. A straight wing of high elongation and a V-tail were used. The wingspan is estimated at 20 m, length - up to 11-12 m. Weight indicators remain unknown. In this case, we can recall that the American MQ-9 has a dry weight of approx. 2,2 tons, and the maximum takeoff exceeds 4,7 tons.

The North Korean UAV is equipped with a turboprop engine with a pusher propeller. The power of the propulsion system is unknown, but it should provide flight at medium speeds for a long time. So, the American "Reaper" with the help of a 910 hp theater. develops a maximum speed of 400 km / h, and at cruising 250 km / h it has a range of almost 2 thousand km. Probably Satbyul-9 has similar parameters.

New UAVs against the background of missile systems. Photo by CTAC

Under the nose of the fuselage is a spherical optoelectronic station - the main means of reconnaissance. A standard scheme is used with a day, night and laser rangefinding channel. On board there must be a control system that executes the operator's commands, an autopilot and communications equipment. The shape of the fuselage indicates the possibility of installing satellite communications, but such capabilities are not reported.

"Saetbyul-9" is a percussion. At the exhibition and at the parade, the UAV was shown with six suspension points under the wing. A total of 10 air-to-surface missiles were placed on the pylons: one larger one on the central ones and two products on the others. The type and characteristics of the missiles are not reported. At the same time, smaller missiles are similar to the American AGM-114 or the Iranian Gaem-114.

"Morning Star-4"

The second new UAV, Satbyul-4, is larger. Its wing span is approx. 35 m, and the fuselage length can reach 12-13 m. Outwardly, this device is similar to the American heavy RQ-4 Global Hawk - the same aerodynamic and layout solutions are used. It can be assumed that the characteristics of the two products are on the same level. If so, then the dead weight of the Satbyul-4 product should exceed 5,1 tons, and the maximum take-off weight reaches 11-12 tons.

Two Satbyul-9 UAVs on parade. Frame from Korean DTV broadcast

Satbyul-4 has a larger fuselage and a more complex shape. In the tail section on top is a protruding air intake of a turbojet engine. The device received a large elongation wing with a small sweep of the leading edge. Used V-shaped plumage.

Unlike the smaller craft, Satbyul-4 is equipped with a turbojet engine. In the case of the RQ-4, such a propulsion system provides a speed of more than 800 km / h with a range of 5-5,5 thousand km. Whether the North Korean engineers managed to obtain such indicators of thrust, speed and range is unknown.

UAV "Satbyol-4" must carry reconnaissance equipment. Probably, under the characteristic fairing in the forward part of the fuselage, an optical-electronic "ball" is hidden. Given the American experience, we can assume the possibility of installing radio equipment - a radar or a reconnaissance station. With all this, the device has an autopilot, remote controls and a communication system with a range corresponding to flight characteristics.

Optoelectronic station and armament of "Morning Star-9". Frame from Korean DTV broadcast

Whether Satbyul-4 can carry weapons is unclear. The exhibition sample and the experimental machine from the demo video are not equipped with pylons and weapons. Perhaps, like the American Global Hawk, the North Korean drone is only reconnaissance.

Reserve for the future

For the first time, the DPRK has developed and introduced heavy-class reconnaissance and strike UAVs. The demonstration of these products at public events indicates the progress made - by now, the "Morning Stars" of the two models could pass at least part of the tests and are now approaching adoption and production.

UAV "Satbyol-4" over Pyongyang. Frame from Korean DTV broadcast

Two Satbyul products show the level of development of the DPRK aviation industry. Despite all the limitations and difficulties, it continues to develop and master new directions for itself. To date, it has been possible to accumulate the experience and technologies necessary to create heavy aircraft-type UAVs. The resulting samples, probably, in terms of characteristics and capabilities can be compared with their foreign "prototypes".

If Satbyol-4 and Satbyol-9 reach mass production and enter combat units, then the DPRK Air Force will receive fundamentally new capabilities. UAVs will obviously improve their ability to conduct aerial reconnaissance and combat ground targets. The potential of such drones is well known from the experience of foreign countries, such as the United States.

Thus, the aviation industry of the DPRK demonstrates its potential and is actively working in a new direction for itself. The first results of such work have already been shown openly, and they are of great interest. What will be the further fate of the two new UAVs and what will be developed after them, time will tell.

Comments

[Scipio]

An example for our effective managers, who have a place only on the scaffold.....

[AAK]

Absolutely right, microscopic, more than half a century under the most severe sanctions, malnourished North Korea can produce, albeit replicating, but quite modern equipment, but the Russian Federation does not, it is really necessary to hang on the lanterns of the Garden Ring most of our menagers and "Pinocchio", and their leader it’s time to re-elect, because it’s not clear (according to the increasing number of “revelations” on television) in the interests of which country he is acting

[Sedoy]

Here is one of these managers who wanted to buy leopards instead of the T-90 ...

[svp67]

Here are the translation difficulties ... "Morning Star" with us is "Aurora".
Tests are interesting and good, but everything is tested in combat. They already know how to fly, but it is not yet known how long and how far, how they have radar and infrared visibility, and most importantly, how they resist enemy electronic warfare systems

[And Us Rat]

Quote: svp67

They already know how to fly, but it is not yet known how long and how far, how they have radar and infrared visibility, and most importantly, how they resist enemy electronic warfare systems

Exactly, there is a huge difference between a copy in appearance and a copy in functionality.

[Archon]

Maybe it's like Morgenstern, not Aurora? It's more about weapons though.
Or maybe connected with Lucifer to scare the US with the name, but it's unlikely.

[bayard]

Quote: svp67

Here are the translation difficulties ... "Morning Star" with us is "Aurora".

A good name for the Russian version of such devices.

Quote: svp67

They already know how to fly, but it is not yet known how long and how far.

If you show a reasonable interest and take part in bringing these pepelats, they can take off very well.

Quote: svp67

how are they with radar and IR visibility

I think at the level of American prototypes, the laws of physics cannot be deceived. We also have radio-absorbing paint if you need it suddenly.

Quote: svp67

and most importantly, how they resist enemy electronic warfare systems

We even have a "Lancet" now absolutely uninterceptable, so if anything, we will help, the navigation system for them from GLONAS. "Geraniums" are flying around with us, and no one can intercept.
So it makes sense to enter into a share and jointly bring to mind. And in series. Incl. in Russia .
There is not much time to wait for our own, but they also need to be brought up, but ours, which is still easier on the way, and if the Altius is brought, then it is ... twin-engine. And we have not developed an analogue of the "Global Hawk" at all.
And as ALAVERDA, our MiG-35S can be offered to North Korea, even on barter or on a mutual basis. As well as the S-400 and S-350, PantsirS and Tor-M2 air defense systems.
And from the Koreans of the North, there are still shells of 152 and 122 mm. and long-range artillery systems, ammunition for "Grad" and any other combat equipment.
And with us - FOOD, OIL and the admission of Korean workers to the construction sites of domestic national projects.

[your vsr 66-67]

Shoigu and went to the DPRK, probably for these "Morning Stars"!
Not good, even looked at what the North Koreans are capable of.
And despite the fact that it is imposed with sanctions, I can’t do it!

[BAI]

MV even lagged behind the DPRK in the development and production of UAVs

[smart fellow]

MV even lagged behind the DPRK in the development and production of UAVs

In Russia, the Orion Pacer UAV similar to the Reaper is being produced. Koreans from Iran, for sure, received captured American UAVs or their drawings. They produce single carbon materials and composites. Light aircraft too, there was a video on YouTube - it looks like an American Cessna. So. which is nothing out of the ordinary. Interestingly, the South Korean military did not shoot down the UAV that was flying over Seoul because it allegedly dodged attacking helicopters and propeller-driven attack aircraft. Because the Koreans do not yet have a satellite, it turns out that the UAV had something like AI.
video at 1:50 UAV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzvh3I9kyiE&t=165s
parade https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELebR_Gr1n8&t=2191s
The reconnaissance drone is clearly damp, because the filling is important there. The coloring also shows that it is being tested. By the way, before the parade, he flew over the city, but he was not shown at the parade itself. But the strike drone is apparently ready for testing in combat conditions.

[Vadim S]

I watched the parade, more than two hours, I liked it! Well done, a tiny country imposed by the most severe sanctions, with not the best natural and landscape conditions for life, but not bendable will and diligence of people! Of course, the sad story of the division of the people, the damned Americans.

[And Us Rat]

Quote: Vadim S

Of course, the sad story of the division of the people, damned Americans

Actually, for the sake of justice - the division of Korea along the 38th parallel after liberation from Japanese occupation is a joint "merit" of the United States and the USSR.
Instead of leaving and giving the Koreans the opportunity to decide their own fate, both powers pulled the blanket over themselves, trying to create another vassal for themselves according to their ideological paradigm. Bringing things to a war, which, by the way, was started by the communist north, with a sudden ("treacherous and vile" in the Soviet lexicon) attack on the southerners on June 25, 1950.
Korea, like many other countries, is just another victim of the Soviet-American phallometry of those years.
So don't push the blame for a beat-up china shop onto one elephant when two were stomping around in it.

[smart fellow]

Bringing matters to a war, which, by the way, was started by the communist north, with a sudden ("treacherous and vile" in the Soviet lexicon) attack on the southerners on June 25, 1950.

Back then, there were sometimes skirmishes several times a day, and both sides were preparing for war. Only Syngman Lee was held back by the Americans, who focused on Taiwan and assumed that there were no prerequisites for war in Korea. They limited the transfer of weapons to the South Korean army, believing that it was sufficiently well armed. Those. the US Department of Defense and the US Pacific Command blundered. The northerners turned out to be better armed and, despite the dominance of the Americans in the air and at sea, they defeated the South Korean and American troops, pressing the remnants to the Pusan ​​bridgehead. However, after the transfer of reinforcements, the Americans and their allies had more than 2-fold superiority only in manpower, but still they could only defend themselves, firing 24x7 along the line of the river, which saved them from complete defeat.
Concerning "treacherous and vile" according to the Soviet lexicon, so there was no peace treaty between both parts of Korea. But a non-aggression pact was concluded between the USSR and Germany, and Germany allegedly violated it, although according to Wikipedia, German Ambassador Schulenburg made a statement between 2:30 and 3:00 in the morning. However, the Japanese are also offended that the USSR started a war against Japan. Well, the winner is right here.

[And Us Rat]

Quote: smart fellow

Both sides were preparing for war.

But at the time of the attack, the northerners had a threefold superiority in manpower, 100k against 30k.

Quote: smart fellow

but still could only defend

This is not entirely true, after reinforcements, the northerners were pressed to the Chinese border and only the massive introduction of Chinese troops saved them from defeat, and only then the southerners were pushed back to the 38th, after which there was 2 years of trench warfare.
Here is the whole dynamics of the Korean War by date, with the forces of the parties and losses:

[Russian Bear_2]

Our army could use these drones.

[Alexfly]

I won’t be surprised that in 15-20 years a new generation of participants in the Military Review communication will praise the products of North Korea ... And our cart will still be ... It’s sad

[tralflot1832]

Copies of US UAVs of the entire "line" are possessed by the PRC, Iran and the DPRK. And the PRC and Russia support sanctions in the UN Security Council against these two countries. A paradox, for American heads.

[gsev]

Quote: tralflot1832

And China and Russia support sanctions in the UN Security Council against these two countries. A paradox for American heads.

The fact that the PRC imposed sanctions against the DPRK and Iran seeking to acquire nuclear weapons is not surprising. Since the time of Mao, the PRC has been striving for world domination. China plans to start expansion from Southeast, Central and East Asia. Moreover, now the PRC mainly borders on the powers that possess nuclear weapons or are part of a military-political alliance with nuclear powers. But why Putin fit into the sanctions against the DPRK is unclear to anyone. It is very problematic to expand against India, Pakistan, North Korea and Russia, which have nuclear weapons, although since 1991 the Chinese have squeezed out colossal territories from Russia, somewhat less from Kyrgyzstan. A little earlier, Putin authorized the supply of weapons to Burma to kill Chinese rebels and special forces. It would be better if he handed over these weapons to Strelkov for the defense of Slavyansk, but refused to support China in supporting sanctions against the DPRK. Perhaps the current leadership of Russia in this case would be more respected by the Chinese. And for the mind and for principles.

[doit now]

Quote: BAI
“MV even lagged behind the DPRK in the development and production of UAVs”

Quote: AlexFly (Alexandre)
“I won’t be surprised that in 15-20 years a new generation of participants in the Military Review communication will praise the products of North Korea ... And our cart will still be ... It’s sad“

It seems that we all read and watch the same media, but for some reason we come to different conclusions, if you know something that is not written about in the media, then share your thoughts. In my opinion, in the field of UAVs, we look quite worthy. There are more than 2 drones in service with the Russian Federation (November 2021, V. Putin). Drones, like ammunition, have different specializations - reconnaissance, spotters, attack aircraft, bombers, miners, kamikazes and carriers of special equipment, and before, for each task it was necessary to make a separate drone and teach how to work with it. Now all settings, firmware and topology, supplies of all end devices are standardized.
The Center for Integrated Unmanned Solutions (CCBR) has developed a line of FPV drones (First Person View, first-person view) "Joker", which can perform the entire range of combat missions in the military operation zone in Ukraine. The director of the center Dmitry Kuzyakin told about it in May, 2023.
Drones in the lineup differ only in the weight of the payload they carry, while remaining universal. The Joker can be anything, like its card namesake, Dmitry Kuzyakin emphasized.
We can separately mention the large shock drones, which, of course, were discussed in detail in the Military Review, of which you are all readers and which you could not have been unaware of.
1) This is Altius-RU (aka Altair) a heavy reconnaissance and strike drone with artificial intelligence (AI). According to its characteristics, "Altius" can compete in the global arms market with the American UAV MQ-9 Reaper ("Reaper").
2) This is Forpost-R (the developer of the basic model is the Israeli concern IAI Searcher-searcher) According to the press service of the RF Ministry of Defense, it is made from domestic components, with Russian software. The APD-85 engine was used as a power plant. There are about 30 Forpost reconnaissance systems in service in Russia, each of which includes three UAVs and a control vehicle (as of December 2017)
3) This is "Orion" (in the framework of the ROC code Inohodets) In December 2021, the Kronstadt company completed the construction of the first plant in Russia for the mass production of UAVs in Dubna. The area of ​​the enterprise is 50 hectares. The new production will cover the need for Inohodets drones both from the side of the Ministry of Defense and other customers.
4) This is the S-70 "Hunter" heavy strike UAV. The developer is Sukhoi Company. In August 2020, it became known about the decision of the Ministry of Defense to use artificial intelligence in the "Hunter" so that the heavy strike drone could independently make decisions about the attack. The start of deliveries of "Hunters" is scheduled for 2024. According to the General Director of the United Aircraft Corporation Yuri Slyusar, large orders are expected for the supply of a heavy drone. The budget for design work is estimated at 1,6 billion rubles.
In my subjective opinion, (from my couch)
by July 2023, Russia holds parity and is the leader in the field of UAVs, and other countries that do not have such military solutions will face very serious problems in a few years.

[Zaurbek]

In the USSR, one of the aviation design bureaus was usually engaged in copying Western technology .... for some reason, in the Russian Federation they abandoned this practice

[Mint Gingerbread]

A question for whiners and forelocks, where do you think the Koreans got their electronics and developments from? Or they themselves suddenly gave birth to their UAVs.

[Simon_Dellsen]

Se percataron que en la segunda foto hay un juguetito bien extraño?

Será que Rusia está usando a Corea del Norte para desarrollos y construcción de armas... Cómo hace con Irán?

Have you noticed that there is a very strange toy in the second photo?

Could it be that Russia is using North Korea to develop and manufacture weapons... How is it with Iran?

[Kostadinov]

But at the time of the attack, the northerners had a threefold superiority in manpower, 100k against 30k.

At the time of the "attack" in the Korean Civil War of 1950, the approximate equality of northerners and southerners beat in manpower (100 thousand to 85 thousand). The southerners were not beaten by combat aircraft and tanks, and they were beaten by one air division and one tank division against the northerners. But this is only on the first day, since from the second day, in a foreign civil war, the US air force and navy in Japan intervened. And this is already tenfold superiority in the air and absolute at sea for the southerners. On the tenth day, the US ground forces were already participating in the war.
By the end of July 1950, the United States and the southerners had absolute dominance in the air and at sea and already had great superiority in tanks, heavy artillery and manpower on the ground, but they lost 90% of the peninsula and held only one bridgehead at Busan.
Only in September 1950, having created a three-fold superiority in manpower on the ground in addition to absolute in the air and at sea, the United States began an offensive to the north, which by the end of October 1950 had gone deep to the north. For all this time, from June 25 to October 25, 1950, For 4 months, the northerners fought alone without any direct participation of their allies. against the US superpower. And this was a real war, not partisan operations like in Vietnam.
Only from the end of October did the restrictions of the Chinese contingent intervene, which only equalized the ratio in manpower and nothing more.
The Chinese and Koreans did not have tanks and heavy artillery, not to mention aviation, only light infantry, but they carried out a very successful offensive.
2. All military losses of the northerners and Chinese are less than a million killed, dead, wounded, sick and captured. And the losses of the United States and the southerners are also about a million, despite their absolute superiority in the air and at sea, and more superiority in tanks and heavy artillery. This became possible since in 1951, on the 250 km front, the northerners and the Chinese dug 1250 km of underground tunnels in 3 months and 95% by manual labor.

[Corvair]

Well done, another extremely underrated country.