HMAS Choules gains visual landing aid
The system can be upgraded to support automated UAV landing systems in future.
A new visual aid landing system has been commissioned for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) HMAS Choules, an ex-UK RN Bay-class auxiliary Landing Ship Dock (LSD) vessel.
Flight trials were conducted off the east coast of Australia by the RAN Aircraft Maintenance and Flight Trials Unit.
UK-based Aeronautical & General Instruments (AGI) worked with local technical support agent Owen International, Atlantic & Peninsula Australia and the RAN Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group to deliver an integrated system of advanced visual cues.
The visual landing aid system can be ‘seamlessly upgraded’ to support automated UAV landing systems in the future, AGI noted in a 5 October statement.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that Bay-class ships are currently capable of supporting a large rotary-wing aircraft such as a Boeing Chinook helicopter or Osprey tiltrotor.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028]()
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
![Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic]()
Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic
Cutters Earl Cunningham and Storis have been monitoring five Beijing research vessels navigating in the North Pole.
-
![US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract]()
US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.
