The UK Royal Navy (RN) has received new jet-powered Banshee Jet 80+ remotely-piloted air systems (RPAS) from defence technology company QinetiQ.
Following the delivery of drones, the RN has formed a new flight under 700X Naval Air Squadron (NAS) that will focus on safe operation and maintenance of Banshee fleet.
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The NAS is based at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose on Lizard Peninsula of Cornwall, UK.
700X NAS commanding officer lieutenant commander Martin Howard said: “We have already established the use of RPAS on RN ships on deployment, but the introduction of Banshee signals a revolutionary step forward in terms of technology.”
The new Banshee drones are capable of flying with a speed up to 400mph at a range of over 60 miles. It is capable of mimicking threatening aircraft to support air defence operations.
The RPAS can be launched into the air using a 60ft pneumatic launcher system. Once launched, the drones’ operations can be handled by controllers deployed in a ground station.
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By GlobalDataThe aircraft can work in different modes and collect data using onboard cameras and sensors.
After completing a particular flight, Banshee cuts its engine and uses a parachute land.
The initial objective of developing this RPAS was to use it as a target against simulated incoming missiles, however, the RN is not planning to use it as a weapon system.
Howard added: “An important point to make is that we are not weaponising these systems. Instead, this will be a vehicle that will allow the navy to test different types of sensors.”
The maiden trials for Banshee were conducted by QinetiQ, aboard the RN’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales in September 2021.
Now, the RN will carry out the first flight-test of new Banshee drones in summer this year from Predannack Airfield near RNAS Culdrose.
