BAE Systems FalconWorks

FalconWorks® is the centre for advanced and agile research and technology development in the Air Sector at BAE Systems. Delivering a long term customer-centric approach to R&D investments; horizon scanning to identify new capabilities and innovation initiatives that focus on what comes after next whilst also providing the capabilities our customers need today to maintain competitive advantage.

A key area of focus within FalconWorks® is accelerating efforts to develop a family of uncrewed platforms to address a wide range of capability requirements for use with both civilian and military customers.

Malloy Aeronautics

Malloy Aeronautics, a BAE Systems owned entity that forms part of the FalconWorks division within the Air sector, designs and supplies the world’s most advanced fleet of all-electric heavy lift VTOL logistics drones for both civil and military applications.

Malloy Aeronautics’ portfolio of aircraft provide a low cost, highly effective supply solution, across all domains, to remote and inaccessible locations, in support of peacetime operations, humanitarian relief and in contested areas. Its platforms are tailored to clients’ requirements and can include a variety of cameras, sensors, communications equipment and GPS hardening options.

T-Series Heavy Lift Electric UAS

The T-Series, designed by Malloy Aeronautics, are all-electric heavy lift uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) that deliver rapid response solutions to a wide range of applications. Limited training requirements paired with low operating and maintenance costs provide a cost effective, sustainable alternative to traditional systems.

Class-leading payloads from 68kg (T-150) through to 300kg (T-650) create an opportunity for new and disruptive mission types. Runway independent, paired with a compact footprint ensure the T-Series range can fulfil a variety of use cases such as logistics, weapons release and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) in all circumstances no matter the conditions.

T-150

Providing the ability to reliably lift 68kg in all weather conditions, the T-150 UAS is a trusted partner. With a removable battery, the T-150 UAS is mission ready by design and there is no need to wait hours to send a vehicle back out, increasing cargo cadence and value for money.

Capable of delivering time sensitive and high value cargo, the T-150 UAS has been designed for the toughest military environments, demonstrated operationally in the arctic circle, desert and at sea.

The T-150 is a best in class, all-electric UAS that delivers operational excellence and is recognised by militaries across the globe as a leading logistics drone.

T-650 Concept Vehicle

The most significant feature of the T-650 concept is its class-leading payload (300kg) which will open up opportunities for new and disruptive mission types.

This type of vehicle allows rapid reconfiguration from one distinct mission type to the next. It aims to provide the versatility and utility required by our customers to discharge multiple roles in a cost-effective and sustainable way, giving an alternative to traditional delivery systems. 

It is envisaged that the T-650 will have an open system architecture, enabling integration of third party systems and an upgrade path for new mission and payload capabilities.

There are a number of potential applications for a T-650 class of product. These range from Logistics activity such as ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore movement, to potential carriage of weapons and sensors to support military operations on land and at sea. Once proven, the Electric Air vehicle could expand into wider application, such as casualty evacuation on the battlefield.

The development of the T-650 is making considerable progress with active trials taking place on our testbed platform, the T-600.

Applications & Use Cases

Logistics

The T-Series is capable of conducting a range of logistics and re-supply missions across multiple domains in daytime or nighttime conditions. It provides operators with a reduction in the cost per flying hour and servicing over traditional crewed rotary wing craft. Furthermore, the ability for uncrewed operation in both land and maritime domains reduces the dangers of flying crewed aircraft in contested airspace or in hazardous environments such as in high sea states or in mountainous regions.

Due to the lower cost compared to larger rotary wing craft, the T-Series can be equipped to smaller military formations, facilitating greater mission flexibility. Its simple design with only limited moving parts, also reduces maintenance requirements, lowering the personnel footprint on operations.

With autonomous capabilities, the T-Series can support automated logistics and re-supply missions with minimum personnel and maximum capacity. The T-Series is designed to be easily reconfigured with different payloads, enabling it to be readily adapted to support different mission types.

Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC)