A prototype autonomous combat aircraft developed in Lancashire has been unveiled by defence giant BAE Systems at the Farnborough International Airshow.
Named Brontanax, the uncrewed aircraft has been designed and built at BAE Systems' Warton site, near Preston, and is intended to operate alongside crewed fighter jets such as the Typhoon.
More than 500 BAE Systems employees have worked on the project, with support from more than 75 companies across the UK aerospace sector.
The aircraft is the first of a new generation of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), designed to provide additional combat capability at a lower cost while keeping pilots out of harm's way.
BAE Systems said Brontanax will be capable of carrying out electronic warfare and precision strike missions against both airborne and ground targets, helping to increase the RAF's combat capability.
The announcement comes after the Government confirmed a £300 million investment in the UK's sovereign autonomous combat aircraft programme, known as StormFighter.
The company said the aircraft, which is similar in size to a Hawk jet, has been designed so it can be controlled by a Typhoon pilot or mission commander, allowing crewed and uncrewed aircraft to operate together.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the unveiling demonstrated the strength of Britain's defence industry.
He said: "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."
Read more
Simon Barnes, managing director of BAE Systems' Air sector, said: "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."
The aircraft has been developed by BAE Systems' FalconWorks team and is now being prepared for ground testing at Warton ahead of future flight trials in UK airspace.
The company hopes the aircraft will be available to enter service before the end of the decade.
Share