Through FalconWorks, we’re working together with Certo Aerospace, a British SME specialising in large VTOL Uncrewed Air Systems to develop their Capstone co-axial heavy-lift UAS to operate alongside crewed helicopters.
Capstone has successfully taken part in funded project demonstrations for the Royal Navy, UK Defence Medical Services (JHubMed) and the US Department of War. Certo continues to develop and test their modular and affordable helicopter at various sites in the UK under CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) operational authorisation, completing Capstone’s third year of flight tests in June 2026.
Real-world capability
Capstone is an innovative 100%-British coaxial heavy-lift UAS capable of lifting heavy payloads of 280kg with excellent flight characteristics in hover mode and at high speed.
Capstone is a proven platform with multi-role capability including logistics, casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), persistent reconnaissance, target acquisition, electronic warfare and precision strike in contested environments.
Modular by design and with its open architecture systems, the ability to integrate third-party avionics, sensors and payloads will enable multi-mission swing-role battle-winning capability.
We are proud to be partnering with Certo Aerospace in response to the UK Army’s NYX requirement.
Together we offer the only 100% sovereign solution bringing together world leading UK innovation across our collective enterprise to provide our miltary forces with the battle winning autonomous rotary wing at the combat edgeAnthony Gregory, Business Development Director, FalconWorks, BAE Systems Air