Gray Eagle STOL, a medium-altitude, long-endurance Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) capable of short takeoffs and landings, demonstrated its versatility in operating from amphibious ships like Dokdo and other large-deck warships. This successful demonstration marks the first time a UAS of its kind has operated from such a vessel, underlining its potential to enhance multi-domain naval operations for allied forces.
“We applaud the South Korean navy for its foresight in examining the unique capability of GE STOL for its fleet,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue. He added that the test illustrates how the aircraft’s operational flexibility could benefit allied navies, especially in supporting complex naval missions.
Hanwha Aerospace has partnered with General Atomics to leverage advanced technology that addresses modern multi-domain warfare requirements. “The demonstration is a crucial step in verifying how the GE STOL can contribute to defence capabilities, and I am honoured to witness this alongside the Republic of Korea Navy,” said Hanwha Aerospace CEO and President Jae-il Son, reaffirming Hanwha’s commitment to supporting defence innovations through the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) sector.
The Republic of Korea’s Ministry of National Defence is actively evaluating the Gray Eagle STOL for potential military use to meet its evolving operational needs. South Korean naval and army officials participated in the demonstration to assess the system’s capabilities, which could enable expanded mission roles for the nation’s defence forces.
The Dokdo, originally designed for helicopter operations, hosted the Gray Eagle STOL as part of the testing, showcasing its ability to function on ships not initially intended for fixed-wing aircraft. South Korean Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Yang Yong-mo remarked that “Gray Eagle STOL’s flight proves that navies can add significant new capability without costly major modifications to their existing warships,” highlighting the flexibility of the STOL system.
GA-ASI’s Gray Eagle STOL closely resembles the classic Gray Eagle model, with modifications that include an alternate engine, enhanced wings, control surfaces, and landing gear. Previously, in November 2023, GA-ASI conducted a similar STOL demonstration with the UK’s Royal Navy on HMS Prince of Wales, a smaller aircraft carrier than those typically used by the US Navy. This latest milestone aboard the Dokdo—a smaller vessel than HMS Prince of Wales—reinforces the Gray Eagle STOL’s adaptability across a range of naval platforms.
