British drone maker unveils Sky Mantis 2 mini rotary wing UAV
The Sky Mantis 2 UAV can be rapidly deployed in about one minute. (Photo: Evolve Dynamics)
Evolve Dynamics’ new UAV has been designed to offer improved capabilities compared to its predecessor.
UK-based Evolve Dynamics has unveiled its Sky Mantis 2 mini rotary wing drone.
Based on end-user feedback, the drone has been an improvement of the original Sky Mantis, offering a more powerful propulsion system and improved sensors, according to the company. The new addition to the Evolve Dynamics’ portfolio resulted from research and development programmes and end-user collaboration.
The drone can be rapidly deployed in about one minute, and its configuration allows for fast battery and payload swaps. Users can carry the system in a backpack, including the charger and spare battery.
Compared to the original drone, Sky Mantis 2 features what Evolve called an “upgraded” propulsion system, offering greater reliability and stabilisation in flight, with the additional power to lift up to 2kg extra payload. The propulsion system gives the platform a one-hour flight time (resulting in 48 hours of endurance when the drone is tethered).
Sky Mantis 2 will also feature the Doodle Labs Mesh Rider radio as standard, while various optional external radios offer the ability to operate the drone from a safe distance. A range of task-specific payloads can be fitted to the UAV, including a daylight 61 MP (9504 x 6336 px) 30X zoom HD camera with image stabilisation.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![South Korea considers cancellation of second AH-64E Apache helicopter purchase]()
South Korea considers cancellation of second AH-64E Apache helicopter purchase
The likely scrapping of Boeing’s Apache helicopter comes after a huge budget cut approved by the South Korean National Assembly. The helicopter procurement had already been reconsidered by the country’s Joint Chiefs of Staff earlier in the year.
-
![UK to receive 27 additional F-35 aircraft by end of decade]()
UK to receive 27 additional F-35 aircraft by end of decade
The number of aircraft was stated by UK Defence Secretary John Healey during a Defence Committee hearing. It follows on from the UK’s decision to purchase F-35A aircraft to boost its nuclear deterrence, although hurdles and questions about the order still remain.
-
![Paraguayan Air Force receives four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft]()
Paraguayan Air Force receives four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft
Six Super Tucano aircraft were ordered in July 2024, with Paraguay the fifth South American country to add the aircraft to modernise its fleet.
-
![US budget boosts Boeing’s F-15EX with $3.1 billion investment to increase fleet to 129]()
US budget boosts Boeing’s F-15EX with $3.1 billion investment to increase fleet to 129
The F-15EX Eagle II had already been singled out for further funding in January 2025, when it was chosen to replace the A-10 aircraft for the US National Guard.
