South Korean KAI and Kia Motors propose new 4x4 modular drone carrier for multi-mission use at KADEX 2024.

At the Korea Army International Defense Exhibition (KADEX) 2024, South Korean companies Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Kia Motors presented a new drone carrier vehicle that combines the Kia K151 Raycolt with KAI's Compact & Multi-Mission Modular UAV (CMMAV). Reflecting a global trend, this collaboration aims to develop a vehicle designed to enhance the capabilities of unmanned aerial systems for a range of military applications.
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This new drone carrier vehicle combines the Kia K151 Raycolt with KAI's Compact & Multi-Mission Modular UAV (CMMAV) and has the capability to launch up to 20 drones. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)’s CMMAV is a modular unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intended for multiple missions. The system is characterized by its modularity, allowing for quick payload changes based on mission requirements. Its versatility enables it to carry out intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), communications relay, and strike missions. The CMMAV is designed to be launched from canisters, making it suitable for deployment by ground, naval, and air forces. It incorporates swarm technology to allow for coordinated drone operations in different environments.

The CMMAV features a tube-based launch system, precision flight controls, and an integrated Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4S) fire control system. These capabilities are designed to meet the demands of various operational scenarios. Although performance metrics such as altitude, speed, and endurance have not been detailed, the CMMAV's multi-modular payload capacity is expected to support a range of military functions.

Kia’s K151 Raycolt, introduced to replace older vehicles such as the KM420 and KM450, serves as the platform for the new drone carrier vehicle. First displayed in 2015 and entering production in 2016, the Raycolt has been used by the Republic of Korea Army in peacekeeping operations and has been exported to countries such as Poland and the Philippines.

The Compact & Multi-Mission Modular UAV (CMMAV) is a system that allows for quick payload changes based on mission requirements, making it suitable for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), communications relay, and strike missions. (Picture source: KAI)

The K151 Raycolt is available in multiple configurations, including the K151 weapon carrier and the K152 armored personnel carrier, which can transport up to seven soldiers. Other variants include the K153 armored reconnaissance vehicle and the K154 artillery observation vehicle. Long-wheelbase versions, such as the KLTV240 shelter cargo truck and the KLTV243 general-purpose cargo truck, provide further versatility. The vehicle’s adaptability includes different armor and weapon systems depending on mission requirements.

The K151 Raycolt weighs between 5,700 and 7,000 kg, depending on the variant, and is powered by a 3.0L Hyundai S2 V6 diesel engine that produces 225 hp. The vehicle’s length ranges from 4,900 mm to 6,050 mm, with a ground clearance of up to 420 mm. It can reach a top speed of 130 km/h and has an operational range between 560 and 640 km. It is equipped with ceramic and polymer matrix composite armor, providing protection against small arms fire, and can be upgraded to meet STANAG 4569 Level 3 protection standards. The vehicle can be armed with various weapon systems, including machine guns, grenade launchers, and anti-tank missiles.

This development is comparable to a similar project reportedly underway in Russia, where a Multiple Launch Drone System (MLDS) based on the 6x6 Kamaz 5350 Patrol armored vehicle is being developed. This system is designed to launch Lancet kamikaze drones, also known as Izdelie-53, via 16 transport-launch containers. The MLDS allows for the launch of up to 64 Lancet drones in rapid succession, using a tube-based method instead of the current catapult launch system.

First displayed in 2015 and entering production in 2016, Kia’s K151 Raycolt, introduced to replace older vehicles such as the KM420 and KM450, serves as the platform for the new drone carrier vehicle. (Picture source: Kia Motors)

The MLDS prototype includes dual UAV operator control stations and utilizes swarm technology for its drones. The Lancet drones are equipped to share intelligence, autonomously identify targets, and conduct coordinated attacks. The Kamaz 5350 platform provides mobility for the system, while the Lancet drones, developed by Zala Aero, are capable of speeds up to 300 km/h and have a range of 40 km. These drones are designed to carry various types of warheads, such as high-explosive or thermobaric, and can engage targets, including intercepting enemy UAVs mid-flight.

Similar to Russia's efforts, the partnership between GM Defense and Mistral Inc. to integrate UVision's Hero-120 loitering munitions into the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) could provide additional capabilities for U.S. military forces. Equipped with four launch tubes for the Hero-120, this modification combines the vehicle's mobility with a drone system that serves multiple purposes, including reconnaissance and electronic warfare, but can also function as a loitering munition. Selected by the United States Army in 2020, the ISV can carry nine infantrymen, and this new variant offers increased flexibility in both mounted and dismounted operations by incorporating a precision strike capability.