Taranis un-manned combat vehicle trial approved

The government has announced the awarding of a £124 million contract to BAE Systems to develop Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology.

Part of the Defence Industrial Strategy, the programme will explore how cutting edge technology can be used to deliver a new front line capability for large un-manned aircraft.

Defence Minister Lord Drayson said: "I am delighted to award this contract, which will test cutting edge technology for a new generation of equipment for our front line forces. The industry partnership brings together some of the finest skills in the country on this groundbreaking project."

The proposed Taranis vehicle will be one of the world's largest UAVs, about the size of a Hawk jet, and will integrate stealth technology around an intelligent, autonomous system.

Assistant Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice-Marshal Chris Moran, said: "This is a very exciting programme. It will deliver important developments for the RAF of the future, and will add a new dimension to the force mix which should add to our battle-winning capability."

BAE systems will lead an industry team including Rolls-Royce, QinetiQ, and Smiths Aerospace on Project Taranis.

It will also test the potential to carry ground attack weapons.

The programme adopts innovative business practices, with military staff and scientists working alongside industry in a new partnership to deliver better transparency and information sharing.

(SP/KMcA)