During a large NATO exercise in the waters off the coast of Portugal, BAE Systems and Malloy Aeronautics demonstrated the capabilities of an electric-powered T-600 heavy lift uncrewed air system (UAS).
The T-600 electric-powered demonstrator aircraft is capable of vertical take-off and landing, has a payload of 200 kg (441 lb), a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph), and a range of 80 km (50 miles) depending on payload. The craft is about the size of a small car and is designed to be easily disassembled for transportation.
During the Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping with Maritime Uncrewed Systems (REPMUS) exercise, the demonstrator successfully released an inert Sting Ray training variant anti-submarine torpedo during a flight mission at sea for the first time.
The REPMUS exercise involves 15 NATO partners, along with Ireland and Sweden. It provides a safe and controlled area to test concepts, requirements, and new and advancing technologies in respect of Maritime Uncrewed Systems.
The T-600 demonstrator is designed to develop and display new technologies that could be utilized for the T-650, an all-electric heavy-lift UAS. The T-650 is a revolutionary design that offers rapid reconfiguration capabilities and can be used for military, commercial, or humanitarian purposes. It will provide enhanced capabilities in the areas of automated logistics and resupply, casualty evacuation, and anti-submarine warfare while also reducing the environmental impact of armed forces.
“In just two years since we launched our collaboration with Malloy, we’ve developed a heavy lift UAS and, working with the UK Royal Navy and Portuguese Navy, have taken part in the latest NATO REPMUS exercise,” said Neil Appleton, Head of Sustainable Electric Products, BAE Systems Air.
“The demonstration showcased the capability of our T-600 technology demonstrator, carrying an inert Sting Ray torpedo in front of the world’s premier naval forces. It’s a fantastic achievement in our collaboration with Malloy and a sign of our joint ambitions to bring new capabilities to our customers.”
