BAE developing ‘Land Rover of sky’ military drone to carry troops

BAE Systems is developing heavy-lift military drones that can evacuate wounded troops and deliver supplies, after buying up a British manufacturer.

The FTSE 100 defence giant sealed a takeover of Malloy Aeronautics yesterday. Berkshire-based Malloy is behind drones that the UK has supplied to Ukraine during the war with Russia.

The takeover bolsters BAE’S presence in the growing market for unmanned aircraft. BAE is working with Malloy to develop the electric-powered T-650, which can transport payloads up to 300kg – the weight of a grand piano.

The T-650 can have attachments and different uses, including a “pod” to transport wounded soldiers away from the front line. Malloy’s drones have been used in Ukraine to deliver supplies and may deploy missiles in future.

Neil Appleton, a BAE executive taking over as chief executive of Malloy, said the heavy-lift quadcopter had the potential to become “the Land Rover of the air” because of its versatility. He said: “The cost per flying hour is much, much less than a traditional helicopter and you’ve not got the risk to life.

“This type of product should become the workhorse of militaries globally. They can save their high value assets for the more complicated missions.”

Most helicopter missions move payloads of 300kg or less. The T-650 will have a 30km range per charge at maximum capacity. Its rechargeable battery packs can be swapped for fast redeployment. A $37m US Navy Sea Hawk helicopter costs $14,500 (£11,400) per hour to operate. Drones would cost much less. Mr Appleton said the T-650 will cost “about the price of a mid-range car”. The cheap cost and ease of deployment of drones has been used to devastating effect against bigger and more expensive assets, such as Russian tanks.

Malloy’s unmanned aircraft could also deploy weapons such as missiles in future. One of the company’s drones was shown deploying a Sting Ray torpedo during Nato exercises last year.

Oriol Badia, chief operating officer of Malloy, said potential civilian applications include air ambulances, carrying repair equipment to wind turbines and oil rigs, and logistical tasks. Malloy makes its drones in Maidenhead. Mr Appleton said there are plans to expand production as BAE seeks to sell the drones to Nato countries.

Mr Badia added: “This new step in our journey with BAE Systems will allow us to combine the strengths and vision of a young company with the reach and support of an experienced one, ultimately giving our customers the ability to scale their demands and allow us to deliver innovative new products including the T-650 at pace.”

The 80-person business will become part of Falconworks, the research and development arm of BAE’S air division.