British uncrewed aerial system (UAS) manufacturer Certo has showcased its Capstone platform’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities to the Royal Navy.
As per a recent press statement, earlier this year the firm put on a demo of its vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) rotary-wing UAS for RN observers including key Atlantic Bastion personnel at Keevil Airfield in Wiltshire.
The drone, which has a maximum payload of 300kg, flew equipped with sonobuoys and an on-board acoustic processor supplied by partner General Dynamics Mission Systems (UK). QinetiQ also took part, providing the sonobuoy data.
Former RN Lynx pilot and CEO of Certo Aerospace Justin Tooth commented: “This flight test showed that we can provide a vital new component into the Navy’s planned mix of crewed and uncrewed air systems for delivery of the ASW capabilities of the future.”
He added: “The big advantages of Capstone’s coaxial rotor system and modular payload system are that this aircraft can operate from single-spot naval ships in real-world maritime conditions, while carrying operationally significant payloads out to useful ranges.”
And ASW Programme Director for Atlantic Bastion Captain Christopher Hill added: “With a focus on automation this Technology Demonstration Programme has been pivotal in providing the RN with a focused understanding of cutting-edge developments across the Anti-Submarine Warfare landscape, ASW aviation capabilities key amongst them.”
- You can read more details about the UAS on the Certo website