Unlike the recent New Jersey drone sightings, BAE Systems’ STRIX isn’t silent, but it did managed to complete its first flight. This Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) uncrewed aerial system is fully autonomous, with a remote pilot providing safety overwatch who was not required to intervene.
The STRIX prototype used in this test features composite aerostructures, as well as a unique ‘tilt body’ configuration that was developed through a collaboration between BAE Systems Australia and Perth-based SME, Innovaero. What’s next? Airframe testing and then work on its hybrid-electric propulsion system, which has been under development in parallel with the prototype.
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This program milestone highlights the ingenuity and capability of world class Australian engineers and delivers on our proof of concept at rapid pace. Major flight test objectives were achieved, including safe and autonomous control of an all-new VTOL aircraft configuration never flown before in the history of flight,” said Andrew Gresham, Managing Director of BAE Systems Australia’s Defence Delivery business unit.
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