Britain’s RWUAS

The British Ministry of Defence is to begin Phase 2 of the Rotary Wing Unmanned Air System, Capability Concept Demonstrator (RWUAS CCD) programme, which aims to develop technologies and procedure for future unmanned rotary wing and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Phase 2 will complete research and development (R&D) activity, which began under the RWUAS CCD Phase 1 between 2013 and 2015 and draws upon the results of the Unmanned Warrior demonstrations.

The RWUAS CCD Phase 2 comprises a two year, £ 8m investment in R&D. The MOD will partner with Leonardo Helicopters to use the SW- 4 Rotary Wing Unmanned Air Vehicle (RUAV) Solo demonstrator. According to Leonardo, RWUAS CCD Phase 2 aims to “identify, develop and exploit the opportunities offered by emerging technologies, to reduce costs and increase the agility, flexibility, resilience and persistence of national military equipment and capability in the rotary-wing arena.”