A DRONE – named T-600 after the iconic AI-powered machine from the Terminator series – has successfully launched a torpedo from the sky for the first time ever.
A video shows the anti-submarine Sting Ray torpedo strapped under a Brit made quadcopter and flown over the ocean, where it let the weapon drop.
BAE STSYEMSThe T-600 drone – named after the AI-powered machine from the Terminator film series – successfully launched a torpedo from the sky in an unprecedented display[/caption]
YouTube, Global UpdateThe drone is the same size as a car and can reach top speeds of 87 miles per hour[/caption]
AlamyThe drone is named after the T-600 AI-powered killing machine from the Terminator film series[/caption]
The torpedo drop was showcased in a Nato training exercise where it demonstrated incredible anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
The feat also showed the drones’ great potential for automated logistics, resupply, casualty and evacuation.
The electric-powered T-600 – which is the same size as a car – has a payload capacity of 441 pounds and a top speed of 87 miles per hour.
It also boasts a firing range of up to 50 miles.
In the iconic Terminator film series, the T-600 features a combat endoskeleton made of titanium alloy.
It is also sometimes covered in synthetic latex.
The demonstration, held in Portugal last month, was conducted by BAE Systems and Malloy Aeronautics.
It saw the T-600 successfully release an inert Sting Ray training variant anti-submarine torpedo during a flight mission at sea for the first time.
The exercise, known as REPMUS (Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping with Maritime Uncrewed Systems), involved 15 NATO partners.
Ireland and Sweden were also involved.
Neil Appleton, Head of Sustainable Electric Products, BAE Systems Air, labelled the collaboration as “a fantastic achievement”, as reported by the Daily Mail.
He said: “In just two years since we launched our collaboration with Malloy, we’ve developed a heavy lift UAS and, working with the UK Royal Navy and Portuguese Navy, have taken part in the latest NATO REPMUS exercise.
“The demonstration showcased the capability of our T-600 technology demonstrator, carrying an inert Sting Ray torpedo in front of the world’s premier naval forces.
“It’s a fantastic achievement in our collaboration with Malloy and a sign of our joint ambitions to bring new capabilities to our customers.”
BAE Systems plans to use the T-600 as the foundation for the T-650 – a heavy-lift UAS that is entirely electric.
It can also be quickly reconfigured for military, commercial, and humanitarian customers.
The T-650 will provide significant capabilities in automated logistics and resupply, casualty evacuation and anti-submarine warfare .
Another advantage of the machine is it how it will reduce the environmental impact of our armed forces.
Youtube/Global UpdateThe torpedo drop was showcased in a Nato training exercise where it demonstrated incredible anti-submarine warfare capabilities[/caption]
YouTube, Global UpdateThe anti-submarine Sting Ray torpedo that is strapped under the Brit made quadcopter[/caption]
BAE SystemsThe T-650 drone is the size of a car and has showcased incredible anti-submarine warfare capabilities[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
