BAE Systems demonstrates T-600 UAS during NATO exercise

BAE Systems successfully demonstrates T-600 UAS during NATO exercise

Sep 27, 2023 - 12:05 pm

The T-600 heavy lift uncrewed air system (UAS) from BAE Systems and Malloy Aeronautics has successfully demonstrated its capabilities during a large-scale NATO exercise in Portugal.

The electric-powered demonstrator aircraft, which is capable of vertical take-off and landing and can carry a payload of 200kg, successfully released an inert Sting Ray training variant anti-submarine torpedo during a flight mission at sea for the first time.

The exercise known as REPMUS (Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping with Maritime Uncrewed Systems) involved 15 NATO partners, along with Ireland and Sweden. It provides a safe and controlled area to test concepts, requirements, new and advancing technologies in respect of Maritime Uncrewed Systems.

Neil Appleton, head of electric products, BAE Systems’ Air sector, said, “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.

“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.”

The T-600 demonstrator is designed to develop, validate and display technologies which may be applied to the T-650, a completely new design of an all-electric heavy lift UAS which will offer rapid reconfiguration capabilities applicable to military, commercial and humanitarian uses. The T-650 will provide significant capabilities in the areas of automated logistics and resupply, casualty evacuation and anti-submarine warfare whilst reducing the environmental impact of our armed forces.

The T-650 programme sits within FalconWorks, a new centre for advanced and agile research and development within BAE Systems’ Air sector, designed to deliver a range of cutting-edge combat air capabilities to the UK and its allies.