Engineers have developed a version of the universal UAV with a large payload to combat maritime threats. In particular, the device was armed with a Sting Ray torpedo weighing 270 kg.
The largest British defense company BAE Systems demonstrated a version of the universal T-650 ASW drone with a large carrying capacity at the Defense Services Asia exhibition in Malaysia. As Defensa observers reported on May 20, this device has a specialization characteristic of advanced anti-submarine drones.
Features of the drone
The T-650 drone was presented in October last year. It is distinguished by its electric power plant, which refers it to the HLE (Heavy Lift Electric) concept. Its design is made of carbon fiber, which provides lightness and aerodynamic efficiency, thanks to which the T-650 is able to lift up to 300 kilograms of cargo and develop a maximum speed of up to 140 km/h. At the same time, the flight range with the maximum payload is about 30 km.
At the exhibition in Malaysia, a version of the T-650, specially designed for maritime operations, was presented. This drone can handle a wide range of tasks, including maritime search and rescue, mine countermeasures and naval warfare. At the same time, it is equipped with a special device that allows you to carry a lightweight Sting Ray torpedo. Just equipping the drone with such a torpedo can be considered an anti-submarine drone.
Sting Ray torpedo in the “hands” of the T-650
The Sting Ray torpedo, compatible with the T-650, is a 324-mm a weapon 2.6 meters long and weighing about 270 kg. It is equipped with an advanced homing head, making it an effective means of combating underwater threats.
To attack, the drone is supposed to take off vertically from a carrier platform, such as a frigate, and head towards a target detected by the ship's sensors or helicopters. At the command of the operator, the drone launches a torpedo, which, upon reaching the water, activates its noise search system and, at a speed of about 45 knots, heads towards the target to neutralize it.