BAE to develop unmanned aircraft with British Defense Ministry
BAE Systems PLC said it will develop an unmanned aircraft that can drop laser-guided bombs and fire missiles in a program jointly funded by Britain's Ministry of Defense.
By Agencies |
FARNBOROUGH: BAE Systems PLC said on Monday it will develop an unmanned aircraft that can drop laser-guided bombs and fire missiles in a program jointly funded by Britain's Ministry of Defense.
BAE announced the plans for the propeller-powered vehicle, known as Mantis, at the Farnborough International Airshow, outside London, and displayed a full-size model on the tarmac.
The deal with the Defense Ministry, which covers the first phase of development and flight testing only, is designed to demonstrate the potential of a large unmanned aircraft in supporting Britain's future military programs. The pair did not disclose financial terms.
The Mantis is armed with GBU-12 laser-guided bombs and Brimstone missiles on its six weapon pylons. The twin-prop, T-tailed vehicle is equipped with a multi-sensor turret and radar under the fuselage, and a satellite communications antenna in the upper nose section.
It could be a competitor to the Reaper, which is now used by the Royal Air Force in Afghanistan and by the U.S. Air Force in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
The aircraft will be assembled and ground testing will take place this year, with the first flight scheduled for early 2009.
Simon Bollom, director general of Combat Air at the Defense Ministry, said the development program on the unmanned autonomous system, or UAS, would ``help maintain UK indigenous capabilities in this fast evolving area.''
``We expect to see positive early results before deciding about further investment in a longer term program.''
The RAF was able to purchase three Reapers as part of an urgent operational requirement to support troops fighting in Afghanistan. One of those aircraft crashed with what is believed to have been engine trouble.
BAE announced the plans for the propeller-powered vehicle, known as Mantis, at the Farnborough International Airshow, outside London, and displayed a full-size model on the tarmac.
The deal with the Defense Ministry, which covers the first phase of development and flight testing only, is designed to demonstrate the potential of a large unmanned aircraft in supporting Britain's future military programs. The pair did not disclose financial terms.
The Mantis is armed with GBU-12 laser-guided bombs and Brimstone missiles on its six weapon pylons. The twin-prop, T-tailed vehicle is equipped with a multi-sensor turret and radar under the fuselage, and a satellite communications antenna in the upper nose section.
It could be a competitor to the Reaper, which is now used by the Royal Air Force in Afghanistan and by the U.S. Air Force in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
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BAE said the design and manufacture of the Mantis and its associated ground control infrastructure was already under way. The aircraft will be assembled and ground testing will take place this year, with the first flight scheduled for early 2009.
Simon Bollom, director general of Combat Air at the Defense Ministry, said the development program on the unmanned autonomous system, or UAS, would ``help maintain UK indigenous capabilities in this fast evolving area.''
``We expect to see positive early results before deciding about further investment in a longer term program.''
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Kane said it was too early to discuss whether the Mantis would, like the Reaper, become a program under sovereign operational rights where Britain would have the exclusive right to the aircraft but permit foreign sales. The RAF was able to purchase three Reapers as part of an urgent operational requirement to support troops fighting in Afghanistan. One of those aircraft crashed with what is believed to have been engine trouble.
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Industrial partners on the new project include Rolls-Royce, QinetiQ, Selex Galileo, GE Aviation and Meggitt. Download
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