UK Tests Heavy-Lift Drones for Frontline Military Operations

The UK’s Royal Navy has successfully tested two heavy-lift drones that can carry supplies to Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers to support the country’s frontline operations.

During the trial, the cutting-edge Malloy Aeronautics T-600 quadcopter managed to transport a load of more than 250 kilograms (550 pounds) over a short distance.

Windracers Autonomous Systems’ Ultra drone also demonstrated its capability to carry 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of payloads over a long distance of 1,000 kilometers (620 miles).

The unmanned aircraft was able to slow down and drop its package onto a platform replicating the flight deck of the Portsmouth-based Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier.

According to Royal Navy chief technology officer Dan Cheesman, the heavy-lift challenge surpassed expectations by producing “spectacular results.”

“We are not there quite yet, but in perhaps as little as two months’ time, we will have the final ‘show don’t tell’ evidence we…