The UK RN’s drone squadron experts at 700X NAS have built their own quadcopter in a first. Credit: LPhot Barry Swainsbury/UK Royal Navy.

The UK Royal Navy’s (RN) 700X Naval Air Squadron (NAS) has successfully developed the first remotely-piloted quadcopter system on their own.

This marks a new milestone for the RN’s drone squadron personnel based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose near Helston, UK.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The 700X NAS is a test and expert unit that works on the experimentation, research, training and deployment of the remotely piloted air systems (RPAS) for the Navy.

RN lieutenant Kristian Lilley said: “This is the first time the navy has built its own air system using basic components. It is an important step in our recognition of endorsed manufacturer status with the Military Aviation Authority.”

The Culdrose-based team has named the new four-legged system as ‘Walrus’. This name has been derived from the flying boats that were developed by 700 NAS for use during the World War II.

Weighing approximately 20kgs, the RPAS are currently been placed in an empty aircraft hangar for undergoing a series of ground tests and assessments.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Once all the tests are complete, the quadcopter will be used by the RN as a testbed for various sensors and payloads.

Lilley added: “Built to high, aviation standards, the Walrus will be used specifically as a testbed for sensors and other sensitive payloads. It will be our independent test and evaluation platform.

“We’re now testing it using a rigorous regime here in a controlled environment. When we’re confident it’s operating correctly and safely, we’ll conduct our first flying tests, probably in the new year.”

The UK Ministry of Defence is making investments in drone technology development, and the latest announcement supports the same objective.

Recently, MoD awarded a £129m contract to Lockheed Martin to provide 250 high-tech drones for British forces.