BAE Systems Australia has teamed with local industry to present Australia’s first domestically designed, manufactured and armed VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) uncrewed aerial system (UAS).
STRIX™ is a collaboration with Perth-based Innovaero and was launched at the 2023 Avalon Airshow in Geelong, Australia. The collaboration brings together our global expertise in autonomous platforms and vehicle management system (VMS) technology with Innovaero’s knowledge of aeronautical product design and manufacture in the Australian market.
A hybrid, tandem wing, multi-domain and multi-role UAS capability, STRIX™ could be used for a variety of missions including air to ground strike against hostile targets and persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). It could also act as a ‘loyal wingman’ for military helicopters.
Designed to carry up to a 160kg payload over 800km, STRIX™ will be capable of operating in high-risk environments. With a collapsed footprint of 2.6m x 4.5m, it could be easily transported in a standard shipping container.
Its VTOL capability means STRIX™ could be used without relying on an airfield. It could also be operated from a helicopter to expand the mission set and protect aircrew in high-threat environments.
We have an extensive history of developing autonomous systems globally, including the Taranis and Mantis uncrewed autonomous demonstrator aircraft.
The STRIX™ VMS already guides platforms, including the M113 for the Australian Army’s autonomous systems program and MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone for the Royal Australian Air Force’s autonomy program.
STRIX™ will look to increase Australian sovereign capability by leveraging domestic expertise, such as Innovaero’s aircraft concept design and rapid prototyping. There will also be opportunities for wider Australian SMEs and academia to get involved in the development, delivery and flight test of the prototype.
STRIX™ will have the capacity to accommodate a range of munition types, including those currently in service with the Australian Defence Force.
We will also deliver a new low-cost precision guided munition, known as RAZER, which could be integrated onto the platform to complement STRIX‘s strike capability.
STRIX™ leverages existing, proven technologies to provide an affordable and cost effective capability that is mission configurable and upgradable in response to emerging technologies or threats.
We are continuously exploring how we can support the challenges customers face in both the near term and future battlespace. Alongside core defence programs, we are developing a range of autonomous systems and future concepts.
BAE Systems and autonomous systems
We are continuously exploring how we can support the challenges customers face in both the near term and future battlespace. Alongside core defence programs, we are developing a range of autonomous systems and future concepts.
As well as working with Innovaero on STRIX in Australia, we are also working with SMEs such as Malloy on the T-650 eVTOL heavy lift vehicle in the UK, which will enable customers to carry out a number of different roles including air surveillance / ISTAR, anti-submarine warfare and air to ground strike to provide greater protection for forces on the ground.