The Autonomous AI Pilot
"You mentioned it uses a GPS guidance system. Is it military-grade or commercial?"
"It’s a guided bomb developed in-house by Starlink Defense, so it utilizes commercial GPS."
"If you're using commercial GPS, isn't it vulnerable to jamming?"
"Sir, which company in South Korea owns its own satellites?"
"……."
"Starlink has built its own satellite navigation system, so North Korea has no way of knowing our GPS frequencies. Furthermore, we’ve integrated signal filtering and anti-jamming processing technology, so even if the frequency were compromised, the system’s functionality would remain unaffected."
"Aside from the TA-50, can it be used on other aircraft like the F-4, F-5, F-16, or F-15K?"
"Modern aircraft have complex weapon management computers that make direct integration impossible, but it can be mounted as a terminal that communicates via Bluetooth."
"A terminal, you say……?"
"We plan to provide a terminal that the back-seat pilot can operate, allowing them to release and launch the munitions directly."
"During the test earlier, the drop angle was quite steep. Is it possible to approach the target at a lower angle?"
"Of course. While the system can approach at a user-specified altitude, we increased the angle to avoid obstacles."
As the Q&A session continued, two TA-50 aircraft landed at Sacheon Airport and taxied through the bridge connected to Starlink Aviation. The venue was drowned out by the roar of the jet engines. Once the aircraft reached the designated area, the pilots and technicians shut down the engines and descended via ladders. The attendees stopped their questions, distracted by the noise, and watched the pilots disembark. They looked puzzled when only one set of pilots and technicians stepped out from one of the aircraft.
As the second aircraft’s engine died down, Starlink Aviation staff approached and placed wheel chocks to secure it.
CEO Jo Yoon-je drew the attendees' attention back to the aircraft. "The TA-50 #2 does not have a pilot. Instead of a human, it is equipped with an AI program capable of not only takeoff and landing but also air-to-ground strikes."
"Starlink Aviation has developed this AI program to allow for the deployment of unmanned combat aircraft instead of putting pilots in high-risk zones. This is the first time we are unveiling this technology to the public."
The attendees looked bewildered at CEO Jo’s statement, and their shock deepened when they saw Starlink staff open the canopy to download data. Truly, there was no pilot.
CEO Jo provided detailed explanations for the stunned attendees, who then followed up with more questions.
"Are you absolutely sure there is no pilot?"
"Yes. If you don't believe me, please go to the aircraft and check for yourself. There is nothing in the cockpit but the mechanical controls."
"You said it can handle takeoff, landing, and air-to-ground strikes, but what about air-to-air combat?"
"The AI program currently requires specific data that Starlink Aviation has not yet collected in sufficient quantities."
Major General Choi Young-gyu of the Ministry of National Defense stood up, his face flushed. "If the Air Force provides the data, would air-to-air combat be possible?"
"Yes. Technically, it is possible."
"Why mount the AI on a TA-50 instead of a dedicated airframe?"
"As you know, Starlink Aviation currently only possesses KT-1 basic trainers and TA-50 tactical lead-in fighters. Developing a dedicated unmanned airframe would require a formal requirement from the Ministry of National Defense and a massive investment. If the Ministry invests in the future, we plan to develop a dedicated platform."
"Can you spare some time after the test evaluation finishes today?"
"Of course."
Once Major General Choi’s questions concluded, several field-grade officers followed suit. CEO Jo handled the pre-prepared answers, and the test evaluation was brought to a close.
After the Ministry and Air Force officials departed, Major General Choi Young-gyu remained with Colonel Jang Woo-chul to hold a private meeting with Taesik and CEO Jo.
"CEO Jo. If you had given us a hint that an AI program for fighters had been developed, we could have made preparations in advance……."
Taesik stepped in to address Major General Choi’s reproach. "It was still in the verification phase, so it was difficult to disclose it to the Ministry beforehand. Also, we lack data on aerial dogfights, so it will take some time before it’s ready for practical use."
"What kind of data can the Ministry provide to improve its completion?"
"We need information on the maneuvers pilots use in aerial combat and the operational data of the components. If you mount some electronic components in the cockpit during fighter operations, we can collect the necessary data."
"We will certainly do that. And it seems inefficient to mount AI on the current TA-50 fighters... Do you have a vision for a dedicated airframe?"
"Before I answer, the Ministry must decide whether you need a high-spec unmanned combat aircraft or a low-cost, expendable one."
"I don't quite understand. What is the difference between a high-spec and an expendable unmanned fighter?"
"Simply put, a high-spec unmanned aircraft is designed for multiple uses, not just one-off missions, but it comes with a significant cost. An expendable one is a concept where costs are minimized for single-use missions."
"I understand the high-spec one, but the expendable concept is confusing."
"It’s easy—you strip away the cockpit, landing gear, and radar from the drone, and only include flight and attack capabilities."
"If you remove the radar, how do you detect the enemy?"
"The AESA radar detects the enemy, and the expendable unmanned aircraft acts as a launch platform."
"Ah! So it’s a countermeasure to the issue we saw earlier, where the F-15K and TA-50 discovered each other but couldn't attack due to missile range limitations."
"Of course, you could solve the range issue with long-range air-to-air missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM or Meteor, but wouldn't it be more efficient than putting a pilot at risk?"
"That’s true. Since there are various ways to evade long-range air-to-air missiles, expendable unmanned aircraft might indeed be better."
"We still have time, so please review it carefully and give us the Ministry's opinion. Starlink Aviation has shown today that we have the capability to develop both, so you just need to make the decision."
"Hahaha. Ever since you took over Starlink Aviation, you've been providing a lot of weapon systems that help the Ministry of National Defense. Oh! And the utility helicopter development project is scheduled to begin this year."
"Is it finally entering development?"
"Yes. The aging of domestic utility helicopters is serious, so we must start development immediately. I hope Starlink Aviation will build a good helicopter."
"Major General Choi Young-gyu. Have you considered arming the utility helicopter?"
"Of course we have. We are planning to deploy two machine guns for ground attacks."
Taesik, seeing Major General Choi’s fixed mindset, suggested, "How about mounting the Switchblade Type B and C developed by Starlink Defense? Since there are two pilots anyway, if the co-pilot operates the suicide drones, the operational capability of the utility helicopter will be greatly enhanced."
"Ah……!"
"The utility helicopter will be able to attack tanks. There’s no need to rely on Cobra or Apache helicopters to deal with tanks. When the utility helicopter discovers an enemy tank, it can attack with a Switchblade. Of course, attacks against infantry are also possible."
"As far as I know, the Switchblade can only be mounted one per launch tube……."
"If you install a box-type launcher in the empty space of the helicopter, it’s entirely possible. Why not develop the utility helicopter with a manned-unmanned teaming concept?"
"Understood. I’ll treat the Switchblade as support equipment rather than a basic component of the helicopter. I’ll contact you after reviewing it."
"Also, Starlink Aviation is developing a medium-altitude UAV, and Defense is developing air-to-ground missiles for it. Does the Ministry have a requirement for this?"
"Yes……? Are you talking about the MQ-9 Reaper held by the U.S.?"
"That’s right. If the Ministry has a requirement, we need to determine the necessary quantity and whether satellites are needed."
"The Ministry can decide the quantity, but why are satellites needed?"
"The UAV we are developing has a flight time of 24 hours. If you operate it only within South Korea, you don't need satellites, but if you intend to operate it overseas, you need satellites for data links."
"Ah! The facilities and equipment needed will vary depending on the area of operation."
"Yes. We could lease you Starlink satellites, but if we use our own, it might cause a stir in the National Assembly."
"I see. I'm worried about the massive defense budget required. Considering the budget for AESA radar, AI, GPS-guided bombs, UAVs, and satellites, it will be difficult to introduce them all at once. I have a 'happy dilemma' ahead of me on how to secure the funding with my staff."
After Major General Choi Young-gyu left, Taesik discussed the utility helicopter development plan mentioned by CEO Jo Yoon-je.
"CEO Jo. Is it possible for us to develop a utility helicopter with our current capabilities?"
"The airframe is no problem, but the engine, gearbox, blades, and automatic flight control system are the issues. Like the T-50 advanced trainer, we should consider technical cooperation with overseas companies."
"In the end, it’s a matter of technical prowess. For the automatic flight control system, I think Deepmind CEO Cha Young-jin can handle the software, but the rest is the problem."
"Do you have any companies in mind?"
"We have to choose between Sikorsky in the U.S. and ProCopter in France. Sikorsky is demanding an exorbitant cost, so I plan to negotiate technical cooperation with the French firm ProCopter."
"Let’s proceed with negotiations to introduce technology only for the engine, gearbox, and blades. We’ll handle the rest."
"I’ll report back after negotiating with the overseas companies."
"Is it possible for us to develop the three items ourselves?"
"The blades are possible if we secure a little more technology, but the engine and gearbox are impossible. Misung Techwin is a specialized company for engines, so we should consult with them, but the materials and design technology for engines are not easy. As for the gearbox, there are no specialized companies in the country, so I have no confidence at all."
"First, contact Misung Techwin, which produces engines. I will also consider the option of acquiring Misung Techwin."
CEO Jo looked apologetic about Starlink Aviation’s lack of technical capability, but Taesik comforted him, saying it was fine.
"Considering we started from scratch and developed the KT-1 basic trainer and T-50 advanced trainer, that alone is an incredible feat. If we can just succeed in helicopter development, Starlink Aviation will be able to leap forward as an advanced aerospace company."
Taesik decided to focus his efforts on acquiring Misung Techwin, as possessing helicopter technology was essential for developing the UAM (Urban Air Mobility) he dreamed of.