South Korean firm develops precision-attack UAV

TM-200, displayed at ADEX 2023, is a dual-purpose UAV capable of carrying an auxiliary firearm equipment. (Janes/Amit Kalra)

South Korean firm Nearby Easy Solution & Technology (NES&TEC) showcased a prototype of its TM-200 precision-attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2023.

Speaking to Janes at the exhibition, which concluded on 22 October, a NES&TEC official said the TM-200 can be equipped with both electro-optic (EO) and infrared (IR) sensors on a three-axis stabilised gimbal and can carry out precision attacks with the help of an image-based lock on system.

The UAV, which is under development, is equipped with tiltable rotors to enhance the accuracy of weapon delivery through position control and holding attitude, the official said.

According to the NES&TEC, the airframe of the TM-200 features a rectangular central frame, which accommodates avionics and batteries. Four detachable rotor arms are attached to the fore and aft section of the airframe.

The UAV measures 3.5 m in length and 1.3 m in width (without propellers). The maximum take-off weight and payload carrying capacity of the TM-200 are 18 kg and 5 kg respectively. The UAV in its standard configuration features a daytime sensor (CMOS, 1/3 inch) with a resolution of 1,920×1,080 and an optical zoom of 10x. As per mission requirements, it can be fitted with a longwave IR (LWIR) sensor payload with a resolution of 640×512 pixels, a digital zoom of 8x, and an optical zoom of 18 mm.