General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) has teamed up with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace to develop the Gray Eagle Short Takeoff and Landing (GE STOL) drone. This collaborative effort aims to leverage the technological expertise of both companies in the design and manufacturing process of the unmanned aerial system (UAS).
As part of the agreement, Hanwha Aerospace will supply key components that will enable the GE STOL to operate effectively in areas that do not have full runways. These components include engines, landing gear, and avionics systems essential for the drone’s capabilities. To further facilitate the project, Hanwha plans to establish a local production facility that will handle assembly and manufacturing, thereby bolstering South Korea’s domestic drone manufacturing capabilities.
GA-ASI will maintain oversight on system integration and continue the production of existing Gray Eagle models in its U.S. facilities. Both companies have expressed confidence that this partnership will streamline the development process and mitigate manufacturing risks associated with new technology. Additionally, this initiative is expected to support South Korea’s ambitions to enhance its domestic drone industry and create high-tech employment opportunities.
The first production-ready model of the GE STOL is anticipated to be available by 2027, with initial deliveries set to commence in 2028. Jae-il Son, CEO and president of Hanwha Aerospace, emphasized the advantages of manufacturing the GE STOL both in South Korea and the U.S., stating that it would contribute to job creation while helping Hanwha build a skilled workforce in the UAS sector.
The GE STOL is designed for various missions, including surveillance, target tracking, and coordination with manned aircraft, operating well beyond the capabilities of standard UAS. The drone measures 29 feet in length and has a wingspan of 52 feet, enabling it to be easily transported via a single UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. It boasts a substantial fuel capacity of 3,000 pounds, a usable load of 3,400 pounds, and the ability to deploy up to 16 Hellfire missiles.
Notable features also include satellite communication controls, which extend operational range to approximately 2,500 nautical miles, as well as ruggedized components designed to withstand challenging environmental conditions. The platform shares similar hardware and software with the Gray Eagle 25M model, ensuring compatibility and performance reliability.
Powered by a Rolls-Royce M250 engine, the GE STOL can achieve a speed of 140 knots, has an endurance of 25 hours, and can reach a service ceiling of 25,000 feet. A prototype of the drone, known as Mojave, has successfully completed multiple test flights, showcasing its operational capabilities.
In a notable demonstration in 2024, GA-ASI and Hanwha successfully launched and landed the Mojave prototype from the South Korean Navy ship ROKS Dokdo while it was conducting operations at sea near Pohang. The drone has also been tested aboard the British carrier HMS Prince of Wales and participated in live-fire exercises at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. This emerging collaboration and technological advancement in UAS development mark a significant milestone in the defense industry for both nations.
