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Royal Navy warships and Royal Marines operating behind enemy lines will be supported from the air by two drone systems now ready for front-line operations.
After two years of trials and development, including collaboration with operational partner forces, a fleet of Malloy T-150 Uncrewed Air Systems will be deployed to carry ammunition, weaponry, food, personal and medical supplies to Royal Marines Commandos operating in all manner of extreme environments.
Meanwhile, Royal Navy warships will gain valuable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities thanks to the Peregrine mini helicopter’s formal entry into service.
Royal Marines and the Royal Navy’s drone operators from 700X Naval Air Squadron and Commando Logistic Regiment have put the Malloy T-150s through a demanding set of tests and exercises – from the freezing Arctic to the Indian Ocean – over the past eight months.
This work has resulted in the systems being declared ready to Release to Service,which means they are ready to be used during operations.
The Malloy UAS has proved immensely valuable in rapidly bringing supplies over complex terrain, reaching places where traditional supply lines are simply unviable.
With eight rotor blades – each around two feet in length – an endurance of up to 40 minutes, top speed of 60mph, and the ability to lift up to 68kg (comparable to the weight of half a dozen general purpose machine guns), the Malloy T-150 is a proven, capable and versatile platform.
It needs a team of two, one remote pilot and a second to monitor the drone’s command unit, and can be flown manually or autonomously to designated waypoints with an underslung cargo.
Brigadier Chris Haw, Head of the Commando Forces Programme, said: “The UK Commando Force continues to be at the vanguard of operational change in embedding digital and autonomous systems into the way we fight.
“The introduction of logistic drones represents a significant expansion in the Commando Force’s use of Uncrewed Aerial Systems, beyond those already in-service for surveillance/reconnaissance, and importantly reduces the risk to personnel during tactical re-supply.
“Tested in operationally representative conditions, and developed in close collaboration with Malloy, the equipment and operators have made considerable progress. The T-150 has great potential for broader use-cases as we have recently seen in operational theatres and on the Carrier Strike deployment.”
Neil Appleton, CEO Malloy Aeronautics, said: “The UK Release to Service of our T-150 platform is a milestone we’re incredibly proud to be a part of.
“As a multi-role UAS, the T-150 can be used for Replenishment at Sea one day and resupplying deployed Royal Marines Commandos the next.
“It’s a game-changer for the modern battlefield and we are proud to deliver this capability to those who need it most.
“We’ve partnered with the UK Armed Forces throughout this programme, from the Royal Marines Commando Force to wider Ministry of Defence organisations to deliver this capability at pace, including training and in service support.
“We welcome this further strengthening of our partnership with the UK armed forces and remain committed to expanding the capability of our multi-role solutions for the UK.”
The Malloy T-150 is also undergoing operational evaluation with the UK Carrier Strike Group in the Indo-Pacific, recently delivering supplies from aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales to destroyer HMS Dauntless in an historic first.
Meanwhile, Peregrine has been developed and delivered in partnership with Thales and Schiebel, providing the RN with a cutting-edge, shipborne uncrewed aerial uncrewed system that extends the eyes and ears of the Fleet beyond the horizon.
Peregrine – which has proven its worth on drugs busting missions in the Gulf – is equipped with the powerful Thales IMaster radar, providing world-class, all weather, day and night surveillance, tracking and target identification to support commanders in complex maritime and coastline areas.
Marie Gayrel, Thales Vice-President Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Business Line, said: “As Thales, along with Schiebel, we are proud to partner with the Royal Navy in delivering the Peregrine capability. Its operational success aboard HMS Lancaster demonstrates the potential of rotary wing uncrewed air systems to transform maritime operations.
“This milestone highlights our shared commitment to innovation, safety and delivering critical capability to the Fleet, fully aligned with the Royal Navy’s transformation agenda.”
Captain Dave Gillett, Head of Navy Develop’s Maritime Aviation & Carrier Strike, added: “The introduction of Peregrine into service is a game-changer for our surface fleet. Its successful deployment with HMS Lancaster shows how uncrewed systems can deliver real operational advantage, extending our surveillance reach and enhancing our decision-making in theatre.
“With the integration of the IMaster radar, Peregrine provides exceptional surveillance capability and is a vital step for wider Maritime Aviation Transformation, ensuring the Royal Navy remains at the forefront of innovation in naval aviation.”
