HMS Prince of Wales launches Banshee target drone in landmark demo

29th September 2021 - 11:28 GMT | by Harry Lye in London

RSS

Banshee on the deck of HMS Prince of Wales. (Photo: MoD/ Crown Copyright)

Banshee target drones could be used by the RN for experimentation of future sensors, weaponry and radio equipment.

The UK’s second Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, has launched Banshee Jet 80+ target drones that could be used to improve the RN’s ability to counter aerial threats.

The fixed-wing Banshee flew from the deck of the carrier, for the RN to study how it can be used to train personnel to counter fast jets and missiles.

The demonstration with Prince of Wales also looked at how the target drone and required support equipment could be integrated within the ship and flight deck.

Prince of Wales is the first RN ship to carry Banshee drones for …

Want to read more?

To read this article, along with thousands of others like it, start your Premium News free trial.

Start Trial or log in here

More from Naval Warfare

Now or never for Australia (Analysis)

As the ramifications of AUKUS begin to become clearer, Australia must grapple with various practical, technological and economic factors if it is to achieve its ambitions.
USN to christen latest LCS Santa Barbara

The future USS Santa Barbara is the service’s 16 Independence-variant LCS and the 32nd vessel of the two-design class.
RN fires Switchblade 300 from autonomous MADFOX

The RN launched Switchblade 300 from the MADFOX autonomous platform for the first time.
Lockheed Martin secures $12 million Japanese Aegis contract

Lockheed Martin has received an FMS contract modification to expand Aegis in-scope work.
PNG commissions second patrol boat

Another Guardian-class patrol boat has entered service in the South Pacific.
BAE Systems, KBR begin Future Maritime Support Programme work

A JV between BAE Systems and KBR is providing hard facilities management at HMNB Portsmouth and alongside support to the RN.