Last weekend BAE Systems concluded the first flight trial campaign of its Mantis UAV, the world’s first twin-engine autonomous large UAV. Although the UK Ministry of Defence remains coy about details, AIN understands that the first flight was on October 21, and that the aircraft flew five times. With initial flight trials successfully completed, the Mantis industrial team and the UK Ministry of Defence are discussing what technology and capabilities should be included in the next iteration.
Formally launched on July 14 last year, Mantis is a joint MoD/industry-funded technology demonstration program, with BAE Systems as lead contractor. Rolls-Royce, QinetiQ, GE Aviation, Meggitt and Selex Galileo are also key members of the team. The stated aim of the program is to show the capabilities that are possible with this class of vehicle, and to aid the MoD in the formulation of its future autonomous vehicle requirements. Between the lines, however, it is clear that Mantis could form the basis of an operational vehicle, and the twin-engine configuration is certainly attractive in terms of certification for operations in regular airspace.
