The UK’s BAE Systems has said it is looking to develop a heavy-lift electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) quadcopter capable of carrying payloads of up to 300 kilograms in partnership with drone manufacturer Malloy Aeronautics.
BAE Systems made its announcement coinciding with the UK’s biannual Defense and Security Equipment International trade show, where it displayed a concept model of the craft.
Development of the heavy-lift eVTOL quadcopter would mark a significant step in BAE’s uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) activity, which is primarily rooted in larger, military-grade, and tactical nano-drones. Dubbed T-650, the copter is expected to have a maximum range of 30 km and top speed of 140 km/m when carrying its full 300 kg payload.
The planned UAV is being angled as particularly useful to defense customers. Potential applications include automated ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore logistics support; evacuation of soldiers and casualties from…
