BAE Systems Taranis

BAE Systems Taranis

BAE Systems Taranis is a British demonstrator programme for Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) technology, named after the Celtic god of thunder, is about the same size as a Hawk jet and is equipped with stealth equipment and an 'autonomous' artificial intelligence system. A semi-autonomous unmanned warplane, it is designed to fly intercontinental missions, and will carry a variety of weapons, enabling it to attack both aerial and ground targets. It will furthermore utilise stealth technology, giving it a low radar profile, and it will be controllable via satellite link from anywhere on Earth. The Strategic Unmanned Air Vehicles (Experiment) Integrated Project Team, or SUAV(E) IPT, is responsible for auditing and overseeing the project. The aircraft, which is intended to demonstrate the viability of unmanned multi-role systems, is named after the Celtic god of thunder, Taranis.

BAE Systems Taranis

Almost invisible to ground radar, it is designed to travel at high jet speeds and cover massive distances between continents. The plane is built to carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance on enemy territory using onboard sensors. And it has been designed to carry a cache of weapons - including bombs and missiles -, giving it a potential long-range strike capability. It can be controlled from anywhere in the world with satellite communications. Experts say the cutting-edge design is at the forefront of world technology and as advanced as any US development.

BAE Systems Taranis

The Taranis prototype, which cost £143 million to develop, was unveiled by BAE Systems at Warton Aerodrome, Lancashire, on 12 July 2010. Ground tests of the prototype began in 2010, and flight trials were initially expected to begin in 2011. However, the aircraft's first flight was later delayed to 2012, then delayed further to "the first part of 2013". The prototype has a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of about 8,000 kilograms (18,000 lb), and is of a similar size to the BAE Hawk training jet. It mounts two internal weapons bays, and is intended to incorporate "full autonomy", allowing it to operate without human control for a large part of the mission.

BAE Systems Taranis

Specifications:

• Role: Autonomous UAV/UCAV
• Manufacturer: BAE Systems
• Primary user: United Kingdom
• Program cost: £143 million (initial prototype)
• Height: 4 metres (13 ft)
• Length: 11.35 metres (37.2 ft)
• Wingspan: 9.1 metres (30 ft)
• Weight: 8 tonnes (18,000 lb)
• Range: Intercontinental
• Engine thrust: 6,480 lb

BAE Systems Taranis