A Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel (OPV) is deploying a T150-B heavy-lift drone for the first time as it patrols in Caribbean waters.
Batch 2 River-class OPV HMS Trent is currently patrolling the region during hurricane season and for the first time has embarked a Malloy T-150B uncrewed aerial system (UAS).
The heavy-lift quadcopter has a maximum payload capacity of 68kg, 40 minutes endurance, and can fly at up to 60mph. Thermal imaging cameras mean the drone can fly day or night and deliver packages up to 20+ miles.
If needed when responding to a humanitarian crisis, the T150-B drone should prove invaluable in delivering food, medical aid or other supplies into otherwise hard-to–reach areas.
HMS Trent’s Commanding Officer, Commander Gavin Lowe, commented: “This new capability is a fantastic addition to our toolset for humanitarian aid and disaster relief. The team have worked hard to integrate the system into our operations and we’re all very pleased to see the concept realised.”
During a recent initial trial on board, Scout Flight 700X Naval Air Squadron carried out multiple test flights to familiarise drone operators and the rest of the ship’s company with required safety procedures.
Scout Flight Commander Lieutenant Charles Harper added: “We have gained valuable experience in operating uncrewed systems from the flight deck of a River Class Batch 2, paving the way for more complex resupply operations in the future.”
- You can read more details on the Royal Navy website
