MCA seeking unmanned capability
The UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is exploring the possible use of UAS under the Maritime RPAS Pathfinder project that would see systems complementing manned platforms in a range of roles.
As part of the programme the MCA could tender for unmanned systems later this year and be in a position to conduct flight trials and demonstrations by late 2017 or early 2018.
Although cautioning that all timetables were subject to change, Phil Hanson, aviation technical assurance manager at the MCA, said that the idea was to have an operational capability in place by around 2019.
Speaking to attendees
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Five years on: where could opportunities emerge next for AUKUS Pillar II?]()
Five years on: where could opportunities emerge next for AUKUS Pillar II?
Payload commonality, combat systems and electronic warfare are emerging as likely priorities as the trilateral partnership balances building submarines with sharing industrial ecosystems.
-
![From the Baltic to the Gulf: where USV procurement is heading next]()
From the Baltic to the Gulf: where USV procurement is heading next
Saildrone’s new Copenhagen base is one sign of a larger shift, as navies globally turn to uncrewed vessels for surveillance and mine clearance.
-
![Quantum sensing gathers pace as navies eye undersea advantage]()
Quantum sensing gathers pace as navies eye undersea advantage
As AI dominates defence conversations, industry increasingly points to quantum sensing as the technology set to change submarine and uncrewed underwater vehicle operations.
