South Korea unveils Hanwha UAMRL unmanned multiple launch rocket system
Model of the UAMRL MLRS at the KADEX 2024 exhibition
South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace has extensive experience in developing multiple launch rocket systems and missile complexes. The company is now using it to create a new MLRS with special qualities and capabilities called UAMRL. The main feature of this system will be the absence of a crew or operators on board, as well as the ability to effectively operate on land and at sea.
In the form of a layout
In early October, the KADEX 2024 military-technical exhibition was held in the South Korean city of Daejeon. This event is one of the key platforms for demonstrating the latest achievements of the local industry. Hanwha Aerospace is a regular participant in the exhibition.
This year, Hanhwa presented several new developments for various purposes. However, a model of a promising MLRS, designated UAMRL, attracted particular interest. This product is similar in appearance to existing MLRS, but has a number of characteristic features.
As the name suggests, the Unmanned Amphibious Multi-Rocket Launcher is an unmanned amphibious launcher. The main goals of the project are to eliminate the presence of people on board the combat vehicle and adapt it for use at sea.
The new MLRS is planned to be used by the Marine Corps. According to the creators, the UAMRL launchers will be placed on the deck of landing ships or, if necessary, lowered to the shore. In any case, they will be able to fire at enemy coastal targets and support the marine landing.
The developer claims that its new MLRS has unique combat and operational qualities that can change the rules of the game in airborne operations. The UAMRL project is also called an example of the desire to create innovative and effective solutions in the military sphere.
However, such praise may be premature. As far as is known, the new project is still in the development stage, and the MLRS exists only as a model. How long it will take to complete the project and build a prototype is still unknown.
Unmanned launcher
The developer company demonstrated a model of the new UAMRL MLRS and revealed some details of it. The key characteristics have not yet been announced, but the already available information allows us to determine the main features of the promising MLRS and give it a first assessment.
The model demonstrates a combat vehicle of a traditional MLRS design. It is built on a three-axle truck chassis, has a large casing-cabin in the nose and a launcher in the stern. For stabilization during firing, the chassis is equipped with jacks.
It is not yet known what chassis will be used in the production of real UAMRL. Probably, it will be one of the South Korean vehicles, which has sufficient load-carrying capacity and mobility. The resulting MLRS will be able to move freely on roads or rough terrain, including the coast with its specifics.
A large casing resembling a cabin is installed in the nose of the chassis. It does not have crew workstations and contains automatic control. On the roof, you can see units that are probably related to the vision and communication systems. Under or behind the cabin are elements of the power plant.
The developers point out that the UAMRL MLRS is distinguished by its reduced weight. Due to the rejection of a full-fledged cabin and changes to other units, this parameter was reduced to 17 tons. For comparison, the modern Korean K293 multiple launch rocket system weighs 31 tons.
The launcher is located in the rear part of the chassis. The MLRS model received a rotating installation with a swinging part, on which there are places for two transport and launch containers for missiles of different types.
It is not yet known what ammunition the UAMRL will use. It is possible that the missiles will be borrowed from other MLRS, for example, from the serial K239. If so, the new multiple launch rocket system will be able to use rockets of different calibers with different characteristics.
The UAMRL project pays special attention to control systems, and it is thanks to them that it is planned to remove the crew from the vehicle. First of all, the MLRS is equipped with automated and remote control systems. The combat vehicle must collect information from various sensors, conduct video recording and transmit data to the operator's console. Movement or launch of missiles will be carried out in remote control mode.
In addition, the MLRS will receive an automated fire control system (FCS). It will collect the necessary data, calculate firing parameters, and also guide the launcher and launch missiles. The operator's participation in these processes will be minimal.
Hanwha reports that the UAMRL FCS includes an original weapon stabilizer that meets the specifics of future work. For example, if the MLRS is placed on the deck of a ship, the stabilizer must take into account the platform's movements, including pitching, and compensate for them, maintaining the required firing accuracy.
New concept
The UAMRL project by Hanwha Aerospace is based on several interesting ideas. All of them complement the familiar appearance of the MLRS and should give the new model a number of important features and advantages. Whether these ideas will be fully implemented and the desired results achieved is still unknown.
The "Rocket" Part of Hanwha Aerospace's Exposition at KADEX 2024
The key feature of the new South Korean MLRS is the absence of a crew in the cabin. The machine will be controlled by an operator or operators at a remote control station. Remote control with automation of some processes has obvious advantages. First of all, it eliminates risks for the operator, who is at a safe distance from the operating MLRS.
Of particular interest are the plans for using this combat vehicle in the Marine Corps and the corresponding design solutions. The UAMRL is planned to be used both on land and on the deck of a carrier ship. For the latter case, the MLRS will receive a new FCS with an original stabilizer and computer. If these devices confirm their capabilities during testing, then the UAMRL will compare favorably with other equipment of its class in terms of fire characteristics.
Another advantage may be the ability to use rockets with different characteristics. For example, the K239 MLRS can be used with 131, 230 and 239 mm caliber rockets with different payload options. The maximum firing range, depending on the rocket, will be from 36 to 80 km.
It is not difficult to imagine what capabilities the future operator of the unmanned MLRS will receive. It will be able to strengthen artillery its coastal troops and improve its capabilities for fire support of the Marines. At the same time, UAMRL will be able to operate both directly during the landing of troops and after the capture of the beachhead. In the latter case, the unmanned vehicle will simply descend to the shore and will function as a conventional MLRS.
Commercial plans
A multiple launch rocket system with a special set of positive qualities may indeed be of interest to the armed forces of the Republic of Korea. Their coastal troops have their own artillery, but the ability to effectively fire from both the shore and the ship is still lacking. The developer assumes that UAMRL will find its place in the coastal units, and they will receive the desired capabilities.
In addition, Hanwha Aerospace will introduce its new development to the international market and seek foreign customers. The success of these activities is not yet guaranteed, but it can be expected that the new functions and capabilities will indeed have a positive impact on the prospects of UAMRL.
Information