The Royal Navy has achieved its first-ever drone-based logistics resupply between warships as part of a trial during Operation Highmast in the Indo-Pacific.
During a UK Carrier Strike Group deployment, a Malloy Aeronautics-developed T-150 logistics drone carried critical supplies, including spare and repair parts, from flagship HMS Prince of Wales to the destroyer HMS Dauntless.
The drone took off and flew autonomously for over a mile before it was operated by the Dauntless crew for landing on the destroyer’s flight deck.
The trial supports the Royal Navy’s plan to field hybrid air wings on its Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, combining fast jets, long-range weapons, and advanced drones.
It also advances a cheaper and more efficient alternative to naval helicopters and boats typically used for routine logistics, and freeing them to focus more on their core operational tasks.
Lieutenant Matt Parfitt, 700X Pioneer Flight Commander, described it as a “key milestone” while UK Carrier Strike Group Commander Air Group Captain Colin McGannity called it “a step toward the vision of a fully integrated hybrid carrier air wing.”
“The really exciting bit is that we then plan to incorporate these lessons to be able to use UAVs for many other roles, including options for warfighting,” added McGannity.
Meanwhile, the HMS Prince of Wales recently anchored in Japan and accomplished a series of milestones that mark a “golden age” in defense ties between London and Tokyo.
T-150 Drone
The T-150 is an eight-bladed logistics platform able to lift and deliver up to 68 kilograms (150 pounds) of load.
It is operated by a crew of two and flies up to 60 miles (97 kilometers) per hour at distances ranging from 8 to 45 kilometers (5 to 28 miles), depending on payload and weather conditions.
“This is a very proud moment to see the T-150 delivering real benefit for the Royal Navy, supporting vital logistics operations with an easy to operate and low-cost solution,” Malloy Aeronautics CEO Neil Appleton stated.
“The trials demonstrate the value that Uncrewed Air Systems can bring to current, complex and costly operations.”
