Friday, November 13, 2009
Mantis takes to the air
BAE's Mantis UAV prototype has taken to the air for the first time. The demonstrator, part of a joint BAE/MOD project, took off from the Woomera test range in Australia. Mantis is a "UK alternative" to the Predator/Reaper design and could carry out the reconnaissance and strike roles. The project will built confidence in a UK MALE (medium-altitude, long-endurance) UAS (unmanned aerial system) to use all the current acronyms.
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I've been waiting for the first flight of the Mantis all year. Thought it wasn't coming to fruition. Upon seeing the Mantis in flight for the first time, I would hope that Australia would consider this for the medium altitude long endurance UAS for our troops. Instead of being tied to the American shirt tail (e.g. predator/reaper). At the moment we lease Israeli Heron's.
I know we must link in with the American ally platform (ie JSF/FA-18F/JASSM)! But I can see real advantages in the Mantis that will be very competitive in the medium altitude market, and we only want the best for Australian troops!
Hope the Honorable John Faulkner gives BAE a call.
Here's to peace. Cheers.
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