A jet-powered drone developed by a BAE Systems subsidiary has been launched at sea from a Royal Navy vessel for the first time.
The Nyan One Way Effector was developed by Callen-Lenz, part of BAE Systems’ FalconWorks research and technology hub. It was launched from experimentation ship XV Patrick Blackett during trials off England’s south coast, as per a Royal Navy press statement.
The 2.9-metre, jet-propelled drone is designed for precision strike capability; it has a range of about 80 nautical miles and its launcher propels it into the air at speeds in excess of 120mph. Its top speed has not been officially confirmed, but similar jet-powered drones cruise over just over 250mph.
The low-cost jet drones are far cheaper than conventional cruise missiles; each drone’s unit cost is estimated to be below £100,000. Nyan drones have already seen operational use in Ukraine.
The new seaborne trial builds on a series of land tests; the drone and launcher combination were recently used by the British Army in Estonia during NATO exercise Spring Storm in May. As per BAE, future trials of Nyan may be carried out on British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.
The RN statement noted:“The trials are part of the tri-service Project Vantage to rapidly test and deliver Maritime One-Way Effectors as the Royal Navy continues its move to a hybrid force, using uncrewed equipment alongside traditionally-crewed warships and units.”
The launch aboard XV Patrick Blackett was supported by soldiers from 26 Royal Artillery and members of 744 Naval Air Squadron. The team successfully launched and flew the drone while the ship was underway.
The successful test was welcomed by Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard, who commented: “By bringing together Army and Navy expertise to field strike drones from a ship at sea, we are accelerating the capabilities our forces need to stay ahead of our adversaries.”
And Maritime One Way Effectors capability sponsor Lieutenant Commander David Burton called it “a significant step forward” adding: “Under Project Vantage we are planning to integrate these capabilities into the Hybrid Navy, combining crewed platforms with uncrewed systems to expand reach, increase tempo and enhance lethality… this activity demonstrates how we are accelerating Atlantic Strike concepts into practical, deployable capabilities.”
- You can read more details on the Royal Navy website and on the BAE Systems website