WDS 2024: BAE Systems unveils autonomous collaborative platform concept UAV

by Akshara Parakala & Amit Kalra

BAE Systems autonomous collaborative platform (ACP) concept vehicle will operate alongside Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. (Janes/Akshara Parakala)

BAE Systems unveiled a new autonomous collaborative platform (ACP) concept at the World Defense Show (WDS) 2024 held in Riyadh from 4 to 8 February.

The conceptual unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is characterised as an attritable platform with low-observable features and will feature electrical actuation systems. The concept vehicle will be able to operate from either land or maritime environments featuring independent or synchronised action capability, in air combat.

According to BAE Systems, the concept vehicle will feature modular construction and will increase affordable combat mass for enhanced operational effect. The vehicle will have two internal bays, will allow easy storage in commercial containers, and will be capable of supporting rapid operational readiness. The potential mission applications envisaged for the concept vehicle include electronic attack; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); and attack.

The mock-up of the concept vehicle featured a diamond mid-wing configuration with a raised cranked structure at the trailing edge of


Get the full article by
Already a Janes subscriber? Keep reading


Poland completes receipt of Turkish UAVs

by Gareth Jennings

Poland now has all 24 of the TB2 UAVs it ordered from Türkiye, operating them across four systems based at the 12th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Base at Mirosławiec. (Polish MND)

Poland has received the last of 24 Baykar Bayraktar TB2 armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Türkiye.

The Polish Armaments Agency (AA) announced the milestone on 16 May, saying that the last four unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), each comprising six UAVs, had been received into the 12th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Base at Mirosławiec on the same day.

“The Secretary of State in the Ministry of National Defense, Paweł Bejda, together with representatives of the Polish Armed Forces, took part in the ceremony of completing the delivery of the last, fourth set of the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned reconnaissance and strike system,” the AA said.


Get the full article by
Already a Janes subscriber? Keep reading


Edge unveils Hunter 5 loitering munition prototype in test video

by Jeremy Binnie

The Hunter 5 prototype before its first test flight at the X Range. (Edge Group)

The United Arab Emirates' (UAE's) Edge Group has updated the product page for its Hunter 5 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a video showing its first test flight.

The video said the flight took place in November 2023 at the company's X Range testing facility on Abu al Abyad island. It showed a prototype fitted with fixed undercarriage and non-folding wings, having its two-cylinder petrol engine manually started before it took off and flew around the range's runway.

The promotional image of the Hunter 5 on the Edge website shows it with folding wings, no undercarriage, and a probable rocket booster for launching it from a rail or canister.


Get the full article by
Already a Janes subscriber? Keep reading


Heron TP makes maiden German flight

by Gareth Jennings

The GHTP lifts off from Jagel for its maiden flight in German airspace. (IAI)

The Luftwaffe has flown the first of its leased Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Heron TP unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) on its maiden flight in German airspace on 15 May.

Announced by the Bundeswehr, Airbus Defence and Space as the lead contractor for the programme, and IAI, the milestone saw the medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operating out of its future home station of Jagel (also known as Schleswig Air Base) in the far north of Germany.

Known as the German Heron TP (GHTP), the UAS was awarded a type certificate by the German Military Aviation Authority in late 2022, at which time it was operated out of an undisclosed location in Israel.

The GHTP is intended to bridge the gap between the retirement of the earlier Heron 1 UAS and the introduction of the new European MALE UAS known as Eurodrone, with Airbus Defence and Space operating five air vehicles out to 2027.


Get the full article by
Already a Janes subscriber? Keep reading


https://www.janes.com/defence-news/industry-headlines/latest/wds-2024-bae-systems-unveils-autonomous-collaborative-platform-concept-uav

BAE Systems unveiled a new autonomous collaborative platform (ACP) concept at the World Defense Show...

Latest Podcasts

The value of OSINT for intelligence sharing

In this episode Harry Kemsley and Sean Corbett are joined by Phil Ritcheson Ph.D. to discuss why intelligence sharing is now more important than ever. They discuss the growing need for allied and partnership and how by using open sources facilit...

Listen now

Using OSINT to support law enforcement

Iran Israel analysis

A focus on Libya

China Taiwan relations

Janes Case Studies

Using Janes Intara to build a common intelligence picture: Russian build up on the Ukrainian border

View Case Study

Assessing threats in the South China Sea 

A competitive assessment of the military aircraft market

Identifying an unknown aircraft

Case study: Using Interconnected Intelligence to Monitor Russian Troop Movement

News Categories

Request Consultation

Request a free consultation to discover how Janes can provide you with assured, interconnected open-source intelligence.

Industry Details