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With potential applications including acting as a ‘loyal wingman’ supporting helicopters during missions, the Strix project was launched yesterday (28 February) at the Avalon Airshow in Geelong, Australia.
Described by BAE as a “hybrid, tandem wing, multi-domain and multi-role uncrewed air system (UAS)”, the autonomous craft could be used for a variety of missions including air to ground munition strikes and surveillance.
It could also be operated as a loyal wingman to protect helicopter crews in dangerous environments. The concept has so far mostly been explored for military jets, such as Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat.
A collaboration with Perth aeronautical designer and manufacturer Innovaero, Strix is Australia’s first domestically designed, manufactured and armed VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) drone.
Designed to carry a payload of up to 160kg payload over 800km, Strix has a collapsed footprint of 2.6m by 4.5m for transportation in a standard shipping container. Its VTOL capability means it could be used without relying on an airfield.
The aircraft’s autonomous vehicle management system (VMS) technology is already in use on other platforms being used by the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force.
Strix will have capacity to use a range of munition types, BAE Systems said, including those currently in service with the Australian Defence Force. The company will also develop a new low-cost precision guided munition, known as Razer, which could be integrated onto the platform.
Ben Hudson, CEO of BAE Systems Australia, said: “Strix leverages existing, proven technologies to provide an affordable and cost-effective capability that is mission configurable and upgradable in response to emerging technologies or threats.
“Strix could be ready for operational service as soon as 2026, and work is already under way on a Strix prototype… We are continuously exploring how we can support the challenges customers face in both the near term and future battlespace. Alongside core defence programmes, we are developing a range of autonomous systems and future concepts.”
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