BAE Systems buys Malloy heavy lift drone company
Malloy has been known for designing and supplying all-electric multi-role and cargo UAS. (Photo: T-150 by Malloy Aeronautics)
The acquisition of UAS company Malloy Aeronautics indicated BAE Systems' commitment to advancing its autonomous portfolio.
BAE Systems has acquired British heavy lift UAS company Malloy Aeronautics to further develop its existing uncrewed portfolio.
Malloy has been known for designing and supplying all-electric UAS, with some of its quadcopters capable of carrying payloads up to 300kg over short- and medium-range missions.
“Our acquisition of Malloy Aeronautics is part of our ongoing strategy to develop and invest in breakthrough technologies which augment our existing capabilities and provide our customers with the innovation they need in response to evolving requirements,” said Simon Barnes, group managing director of BAE Systems’ Air sector.
The two companies have been collaborating on various projects since 2021. One of the flagship efforts of the collaboration has been the T-650 multi-role quadcopter UAS.
The all-electric-powered platform produces zero carbon and has several potential applications, such as cargo-carrying, casualty evacuation, close air support, maritime search and rescue, ISR, anti-submarine warfare and maritime mine countermeasures. Depending on demand, BAE Systems forecasted an in-service date of 2025 for the platform.
It was not clear how the procurement would affect the T-650 development, but the companies previously disclosed that Malloy was the lead authority for the design and build of the drone, while BAE was responsible for payload integration.
Recent acquisitions, such as the 2022 purchase of Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim), have suggested that BAE Systems would prefer to maintain a hands-off, less interventionist approach.
“Malloy’s approximately 80-strong workforce will continue to operate from its site in Berkshire, supporting its existing customers,” the company said. “BAE Systems and Malloy…will further develop Malloy's existing portfolio and accelerate new and novel technologies to customers worldwide.”
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![US Navy foresees an uncrewed future for its surface and underwater fleet]()
US Navy foresees an uncrewed future for its surface and underwater fleet
The service has been conducting various procurement and development efforts to integrate unmanned surface and underwater vehicles into its inventory.
-
![Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems]()
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
![Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences]()
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
![Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way]()
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
![AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems]()
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
