In a significant leap for naval aviation, the Gray Eagle STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) unmanned aircraft successfully completed its first flight from a South Korean warship to a land base on 12 November 2024. The event, which took place off the coast of Pohang, South Korea, underscores the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern naval operations.
The test flight, a joint effort by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), Hanwha Aerospace, and the South Korean Navy, saw the Gray Eagle STOL launch from the ROKS Dokdo, an amphibious landing ship. The aircraft then flew to Pohang Navy Airfield, where it landed without incident.
This successful demonstration highlights the unique capabilities of the Gray Eagle STOL, the only medium-altitude, long-endurance aircraft of its kind capable of operating from large warships and short or unimproved land fields. This versatility opens up a range of operational possibilities for navies worldwide. GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue praised the South Korean Navy’s forward-thinking approach, stating, “This demonstration illustrates the ability of the GE STOL to safely operate on many types of aircraft-capable ships, which opens myriad new ways our allies can use this UAS to support multi-domain naval operations.”
Admiral Yang Yong-mo, South Korean Chief of Naval Operations, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the potential for the Gray Eagle STOL to significantly enhance naval capabilities without requiring expensive modifications to existing warships. He noted the significance of the demonstration aboard the ROKS Dokdo, a vessel designed primarily for helicopters.
The Gray Eagle STOL builds upon the proven design of the classic Gray Eagle, incorporating modifications to the engine, wings, control surfaces, and landing gear. The aircraft previously demonstrated its STOL capabilities in November 2023 under the name “Mojave,” successfully taking off from and landing on the Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales, an aircraft carrier smaller than a typical U.S. carrier. Notably, the ROKS Dokdo, from which the recent test flight occurred, is considerably smaller than the HMS Prince of Wales.
The collaboration between GA-ASI and Hanwha Aerospace in developing and testing the Gray Eagle STOL represents a significant commitment to advancing national defense capabilities and global security. Jae-il Son, Hanwha Aerospace CEO and President, affirmed the company’s dedication to the UAV business, stating, “Hanwha is fully committed to making bold investments, fostering collaboration, and providing steadfast support in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) business.”
The successful flight of the Gray Eagle STOL from a South Korean warship marks a turning point in naval aviation, paving the way for wider adoption of unmanned systems in maritime operations. This development holds significant implications for future naval warfare and multinational collaborations in an increasingly complex security environment.
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