PREVIEW

BY MARK WORGAN

The UK's first autonomous uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) - a futuristic drone the size of the fighter jets it will fly alongside - has been unveiled as part of plans to develop a new generation of military aircraft.

The prototype, known as Brontanax, has been designed and built by engineers at BAE Systems' site in Warton, Lancashire.

It is intended to provide electronic warfare and precision strike capabilities against air and ground targets.

The aircraft, which is similar in size to a BAE Systems Hawk trainer, is designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft such as the Typhoon. It can be controlled by a Typhoon pilot or a mission commander from a distance, allowing crewed and uncrewed aircraft to work together during operations.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: "The unveiling of Brontanax, the UK's first uncrewed autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft, is a testament to the extraordinary talent and innovation across our sovereign defence industry.

“Built at BAE Systems in Warton by British engineers, backed by British businesses large and small, this aircraft demonstrates that the UK has the skills, the technology and the determination to lead the world in combat air power.”

The RAF says the aircraft forms part of its ambition to become Europe's first sixth-generation air force by combining crewed and autonomous aircraft.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sir Harv Smyth said: "The RAF is determined to become Europe’s first 6th Generation Air Force, driving innovation and accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge technology to stay ahead in an increasingly complex and contested battlespace."

BAE Systems said the aircraft had been developed with an open architecture and modular design, allowing it to be adapted to changing operational requirements and emerging threats.

Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems' Air sector, said: "We recognise armed forces are being challenged to meet the demands of speed, adaptability and scale. Our Collaborative Combat Aircraft will provide the ability to extend the reach of crewed aircraft, generating greater combat mass at lower cost, while keeping pilots out of harm’s way.

“This capability represents a significant company investment in the UK’s future of air power and builds on our long-standing commitment to innovation. Alongside supporting defence priorities, it will strengthen the UK’s sovereign defence ecosystem by creating opportunities for SMEs, suppliers and partners across the country."

Brontanax has been developed by BAE Systems' FalconWorks research and development team and funded through the company's own investment.

The aircraft is now due to undergo ground-based testing at Warton before beginning flight trials in UK airspace. A first flight is expected next year.