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
-
![South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs]()
South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs
HHI and Hanwha Ocean outline highly autonomous and unmanned-enabled designs as the ROKN explores force structure for the 2030s and beyond.
-
![US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026]()
US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026
The FY26 Homeland Security Bill Markup of the House Committee on Appropriations included resources for the procurement of ships, aircraft and unmanned systems.
-
![US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs]()
US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs
The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
-
![Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy]()
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer
The sixth Canada’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship is currently at the final stages of construction within Irving Shipbuilding.
