The TEKEVER AR5, the long-endurance drone being bought for the British Army under Project Corvus, has landed on and taken off from HMS Queen Elizabeth, the first time it has operated from a Royal Navy carrier, according to the National Armaments Director Group.
The flights took place during Heavy Lift Challenge 3, part of the Royal Navy’s Rapid Eagle trials. The AR5 took off from TEKEVER’s Flight Operations and Training Centre at Atouguia da Baleia in Portugal and flew for around 90 minutes to reach the carrier, before returning on a flight of around 120 minutes. The National Armaments Director Group said the drone can carry up to 50kg of cameras and sensors and “will support essential logistic missions at sea.”
Lieutenant Commander David Burton, trials sponsor for Navy Capability at the Royal Navy, said: “Heavy Lift Challenge 3 and Rapid Eagle have demonstrated the significant potential that autonomous fixed-wing systems could offer to future maritime operations. The successful operation of a TEKEVER AR5 from HMS Queen Elizabeth has provided valuable insight into how uncrewed systems might support logistics, sustainment and wider operational tasking in demanding maritime environments. Working alongside colleagues from Project Corvus and Pantheon has also highlighted the benefits of connecting future ISTAR, logistics and operational capabilities into a more coherent system. Activities such as Rapid Eagle help us understand how autonomous technologies can increase operational flexibility, extend reach and support the Royal Navy’s transition towards a hybrid navy.”
Tiago Nunes, TEKEVER Director of Platforms, said: “Operating an AR5 from a carrier for the first time marks an important step in bringing more proven capabilities into naval operations. TEKEVER is enabling naval forces to conduct missions with greater flexibility, extend operational reach, and respond to evolving requirements at sea. This demonstration showcases the level of systems integration achieved by working closely with the Royal Navy, turning advanced autonomous technology into capabilities delivering real operational value.”
The Ministry of Defence awarded TEKEVER the Project Corvus contract this summer to replace the Army’s Watchkeeper drones. The National Armaments Director Group said the contract is worth up to £400 million and “starts with six drones, rising to up to 24 by 2029”. TEKEVER is also investing £400 million in the UK over five years through its OVERMATCH programme, covering research, infrastructure and defence technology.
The carrier has been at the centre of the Royal Navy’s drone trials, and the UK Defence Journal has reported on carrier supply drones impressing in earlier trials and on how the UK eyes carrier-launched drones to boost strike power.
Seems to be of limited value for a carrier. 50kg sensors means no radar and so visual range will be very limited. Better than nothing but not exactly a significant asset.