Royal Navy Conducts First Drone Tests from HMS Queen Elizabeth

The UK’s Royal Navy revealed it conducted its first launches of unnamed strike drones from the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth last month. It called the tests a major step in the plans to transform the Royal Navy and how Britain fights at sea.

The landmark North Atlantic trials took place in mid-October using British-made Nyan Maritime one-way drones, manufactured in Wiltshire by Callen-Lenz. According to the statement, they demonstrated how autonomous strike systems could operate alongside F-35B stealth jets. Working with experts from across the Armed Forces and industry, the Royal Navy reports it conducted a number of flights from HMS Queen Elizabeth, following the drone's first launch at sea from the experimentation ship XV Patrick Blackett earlier this year.

At the same time, the carrier also hosted Heavy Lift Challenge 3, which saw a Tekever AR5 fixed-wing uncrewed aircraft operate from a carrier for the first time. With a 7-meter (23-foot) wingspan and capacity to carry 80kg, the AR5 can support both logistics and operational missions. The Royal Navy reports the trials demonstrated how drones used for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance could operate alongside strike systems as part of a more integrated fighting force.

“These trials give us the evidence and confidence to decide how uncrewed systems can work alongside crewed aircraft,” commented Lieutenant Commander David Burton, trials sponsor for Navy Capability. “The lessons will help us build a hybrid Navy that gives commanders greater choice and ensures our carriers remain at the cutting edge of naval warfare.”

This story was originally published by The Maritime Executive. Read the full story at The Maritime Executive →