British forces can look forward to enhanced logistics capabilities after Malloy Aeronautics’ T-150 heavy-lift uncrewed aerial system (UAS) was declared ready for front-line operations.
Following two years of trials and development, Malloy T-150 UAS heavy-lift drones have been certified as “ready to Release to Service.”
Royal Marines and the Royal Navy’s drone operators from 700X Naval Air Squadron and Commando Logistic Regiment have been putting the T-150s through their paces across eight months via a series of tests and exercises held in conditions ranging from Arctic cold to sub-tropical heat.
As per a recent Royal Navy press statement, the T-150 UAS will now be deployed to carry ammunition, weaponry, food, personal and medical supplies to Royal Marines Commandos.
The drones have also recently been used to deliver supplies between warships for the first time as part of Operation Highmast in the Indo-Pacific.
And in July a modified version of a Malloy T-150 was used by BAE Systems to launch missiles against air and ground targets. The heavy-lift drone’s manufacturer is linked to BAE Systems’ FalconWorks arm.
Speaking about the T150’s capabilities, Head of the Commando Forces Programme Brigadier Chris Haw said: “The U.K. Commando Force continues to be at the vanguard of operational change in embedding digital and autonomous systems into the way we fight.
“The introduction of logistic drones represents a significant expansion in the Commando Force’s use of Uncrewed Aerial Systems, beyond those already in-service for surveillance/reconnaissance, and importantly reduces the risk to personnel during tactical re-supply.
“Tested in operationally representative conditions, and developed in close collaboration with Malloy, the equipment and operators have made considerable progress. The T-150 has great potential for broader use-cases as we have recently seen in operational theatres and on the Carrier Strike deployment.”
And CEO of Malloy Aeronautics Neil Appleton added: “The U.K. Release to Service of our T-150 platform is a milestone we’re incredibly proud to be a part of.
“As a multi-role UAS, the T-150 can be used for Replenishment at Sea one day and resupplying deployed Royal Marines Commandos the next.
“It’s a game-changer for the modern battlefield and we are proud to deliver this capability to those who need it most.”
Meanwhile, RN warships are set to benefit from additional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities courtesy of the Peregrine mini helicopter, developed in partnership with Schiebel and Thales.
It has been trialled in the Gulf where it has proved its worth in the continuing fight against drug trafficking.
Marie Gayrel, Thales Vice-President Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Business Line, said: “As Thales, along with Schiebel, we are proud to partner with the Royal Navy in delivering the Peregrine capability. Its operational success aboard HMS Lancaster demonstrates the potential of rotary wing uncrewed air systems to transform maritime operations.”
Captain Dave Gillett, Head of Navy Develop’s Maritime Aviation & Carrier Strike, added: “The introduction of Peregrine into service is a game-changer for our surface fleet. Its successful deployment with HMS Lancaster shows how uncrewed systems can deliver real operational advantage, extending our surveillance reach and enhancing our decision-making in theatre.”
- You can read more details on the Malloy Aeronautics website and on the Royal Navy website
