GA-ASI Mojave Completes First Battlefield Short Field OAS

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) and Hanwha Aerospace have completed the first-ever battlefield short-field operations with a medium-altitude, long-endurance uncrewed aircraft. The demonstration, held at a South Korean tank and artillery live-fire range, proved the Mojave STOL aircraft can land and take off from austere terrain during simulated combat.

“This demonstration showed Mojave’s ability to perform tactical missions that are representative of real battlefield requirements and challenges,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue. He listed potential missions including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), weapons delivery, and troop resupply.

The Demonstration Details

The flight test occurred during the Defense Drone Technology Exhibition north of Seoul. Pilots controlled the Mojave from ground stations. The aircraft took off from a conventional runway at the ROK Army 513th Aviation Battalion. It then flew to the Seungjin Training Field in Pocheon-si to join air operations.

There, it landed on a rough maneuver trail typically used by army tanks and artillery vehicles. After landing, the Mojave took off again, resumed its mission, and returned to its original base. In a real combat scenario, soldiers could refuel and re-arm the aircraft during such a ground stop.

Significance and Partnership

The partners stated that no other aircraft with Mojave's endurance, range, or payload has this short-field capability. Hanwha Aerospace CEO nominee Buhwan Lee called the demo "an important milestone." He said the companies would work to develop unmanned systems for future operating environments.

The demonstration aircraft was configured with dual weapon rails and inert payloads. Its concept of operations was designed to show how short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability improves flexibility, survivability, and responsiveness for South Korean defense applications.

Development Timeline and Future Plans

GA-ASI and Hanwha announced their partnership to co-develop and co-produce STOL-capable unmanned aircraft systems in 2025. Their stated customer base includes the South Korean Ministry of National Defense and the U.S. Department of War.

A Critical Design Review for a production version of the Mojave STOL is expected in November of this year. The first flight of that production aircraft is scheduled for 2027.

Next Public Appearance

The Mojave STOL demonstrator is now scheduled to travel to Changwon. It will be on display at Hanwha's Industry Day on September 21. The event will feature an array of South Korean suppliers, many of whom are contributing to the Mojave STOL production program.