The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has selected U.S. firm PteroDynamics to supply uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for its logistics requirements.
The firm will deliver a number of its autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) P4 Transwing UAS to the force, starting immediately, and the RAN will also retain an option to purchase its larger-capacity P5 systems from next year.
The Transwing drones’ innovative design allows it to fold its wings to transition seamlessly between vertical and winged horizontal flight, while retaining a diminished ground footprint and requiring no launch infrastructure.
The P4 drones have a maximum payload of just under 7kg, and when laden to capacity has a maximum range of about 60 nautical miles. It cruises at about 60 knots and has an operational ceiling of about 15,000 feet.
The larger P5s will have a 23kg payload capacity, cruise at 70 knots, and have a range of more than 400nm.
The new contract comes in the wake of a successful demonstration in April last year to Australian Defence Force (ADF) and RAN representatives which showcased the drones’ endurance and delivery and recovery capabilities within confined areas.
The deal represents the American firm’s first Transwing export deal. Its CEO Matthew Graczyk commented: “With the growing strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region and the trilateral AUKUS security partnership, Australia and the Royal Australian Navy have established a forward-looking vision for the role of autonomous uncrewed platforms for logistics missions in maritime environments.
““PteroDynamics looks forward to continuing our close collaboration with RAN and ensuring our customer takes full advantage of the Transwing’s unique combination of VTOL and fixed-wing performance capabilities for a range of missions.”
Director General Logistics atv the RAN Commodore Catherine Rhodes added: “By bringing together our collective strengths in advanced aerospace design, autonomous systems, and rigorous operational testing, we are advancing next-generation uncrewed capabilities that directly support the Integrated Force.”
- You can read more details on on the PteroDynamics website