UK launches Nyan one-way effector from aircraft carrier
The Nyan one-way effector seen on its launch catapult just prior to launch from the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth during trials. (Crown Copyright)
The Royal Navy has for the first time launched the Callen-Lenz Nyan one-way effector (OWE) from the deck of its HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier.
Announced by Callen-Lenz parent company BAE Systems on 5 November 2026, the milestone saw four catapult-assisted take-offs from the carrier during Exercise ‘Neptune Reach B' in the North Atlantic. All four OWEs successfully hit their designated strike points.
“The trials demonstrate how Nyan can safely integrate and operate from a large, complex maritime platform, accelerating the Royal Navy's hybrid navy efforts to expand, reach and deliver operational effect using uncrewed platforms,” BAE Systems said.
This latest activity follows Nyan's maiden seaborne launch from the Royal Navy experimental vessel XV Patrick Blackett during Exercise ‘Neptune Reach A' earlier in 2026.
A collaboration between the Royal Navy, British Army and the Royal Air Force, Exercise ‘Neptune Reach' falls under Project Vantage, which is an initiative focused on accelerating the test and fielding of maritime strike unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The Nyan is a small UAV with a 2.9 m wingspan, designed to offer a precision strike capability. Powered by a microturbine, the air vehicle is launched via a trailer-mounted pneumatic catapult. While it can be fitted with a range of payloads, it is typically now only being used in the ‘suicide drone' role.
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