BAE Systems and QinetiQ have completed synthetic trials exploring how uncrewed aircraft could operate alongside Typhoon fighters to generate combat mass at lower cost, the firms announced.
The exercise, held at BAE’s Warton site in Lancashire and attended by Ministry of Defence representatives, linked simulated Typhoons with a swarm of QinetiQ Banshee drones, a Malloy T-150 heavy-lift UAS, and representative command, control and electronic surveillance systems. According to the companies, the aim was to validate connectivity, interoperability, human-machine interfaces and goal-based autonomy, using simulated data links including Link 16.
The work sits under Project HERA, a joint effort by BAE and QinetiQ to develop crewed-uncrewed teaming (CUC-T) concepts. The firms argue uncrewed systems can take on “dull, dirty and dangerous” roles under the direction of manned aircraft, reducing risk to aircrew while increasing operational flexibility and affordability.
Alan Hart, QinetiQ’s MD of Science & Technology, said in the release: “HERA has shown that interoperable autonomous systems can allow dissimilar UAS and crewed aircraft to deliver complex missions.” He also framed the project as helping build a “sovereign national drone enterprise.”
Anthony Gregory, Business Development Director at BAE Systems FalconWorks, added: “Together with QinetiQ we have demonstrated the enhanced operational effect of a crewed and uncrewed force mix.”
The September trials followed a 2023 agreement between the companies to explore UAS development, mission management systems and interoperability with crewed assets. Lessons are expected to inform work on Tier 2 Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACPs) and wider multi-sector interoperability.
The firms say the ambition is to progress into live trials with a Link 16 datalink, though this will depend on further customer discussions.
I see the Irish Airforce turned up then. 👀
PROVO2?
I guess QuintiQ’s Jackdaw is just a non existent program like all other UK drones programs now.
It would have been ideal for this requirement but like everything else it was just a model for an airshow.