The British Ministry of Defense unveiled its latest jet-propelled, heavy-lift drone, the Hydra 400, at the Defence and Security Equipment International conference in London this September. The drone, developed by Hydra Drones Limited and funded by the Ministry of Defense, is part of a new generation of heavy-lift drones using hybrid propulsion technology.
“We are responding to the operating environment we see in Ukraine,” said General Sir Patrick Sanders, Army Chief of the General Staff. “For example, 40% of losses in the evolving Ukraine drone campaign are attributed to pilot error. We need ‘war fighters’ to be stronger, faster, more intelligent and more resilient.”
Compact and Quick to Deploy
The Hydra 400 is compact enough to be transported on a regular pickup truck and can be prepared for flight in just six minutes. It’s equipped with single-spool jet turbines that generate 90 lbf (500 Newtons) of thrust, allowing it to lift up to 882 pounds (400 kg).
“A single spool core means that all rotating components in the compressor and the gas generator are on one shaft and rotate at the same speed,” explained GE Aerospace.
Missile Compatibility
The drone is designed to carry the “Brimstone” missile, developed by MBDA, a strategic partner to the MoD. The missile weighs 110 pounds (50 kg), measures just under 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length, and has a diameter of 7 ³/₃₂ inches (180 mm). It’s guided by millimetric wave radar and semi-active laser technology and is compatible with various platforms, including helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, fast jets, land vehicles, naval platforms, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Addressing Real-World Challenges
“We are responding to the operating environment we see in Ukraine,” said General Sir Patrick Sanders, Army Chief of the General Staff. “For example, 40% of losses in the evolving Ukraine drone campaign are attributed to pilot error. When the electromagnetic spectrum is so heavily contested, automation fails, and the pilot’s skill predominates. We need ‘war fighters’ to be stronger, faster, more intelligent, and more resilient,” he added.
Field Testing and Future Plans
The Hydra 400 and a dummy “Brimstone” payload will be tested during the next stage of the Army’s Warfighting Experiment (AWE), “Exercise Blunting Strike,” set to take place at Copehill Down in November 2023. The AWE is an ongoing series of trials and experiments that take place across the UK and overseas, aiming to solve the complex challenges of urban warfare through advanced technology.
“By the end of this year, we will form a new UAS Group within a reoriented Joint Aviation Command,” General Sanders said. “This will provide a focal point for the industry, around which we intend to develop the next generation of UAS platforms in ever closer partnership.”
The drone and its capabilities mark a significant advancement in military technology, offering a versatile and efficient solution for both defense and attack operations. With a success rate of over 98%, the “Brimstone” missile has proven effective in defeating static, moving, and maneuvering targets, including main battle tanks and armored vehicles.
British Ministry of Defence’s Notable Drone Projects: A Historical Perspective
The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has a long-standing interest in drone technology, with various projects aimed at enhancing surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat capabilities. Here’s a look at some of the significant drone projects that have been either developed or operated by the British MoD:
1. Watchkeeper WK450
Purpose: Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR)
Overview: The Watchkeeper WK450 is an all-weather drone designed for use by the British Army. It is based on the Elbit Hermes 450 UAV and aims to provide enhanced surveillance capabilities.
2. Taranis
Purpose: Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) Demonstrator
Overview: Named after the Celtic god of thunder, Taranis is a cutting-edge drone developed by BAE Systems in collaboration with the MoD. Designed for intercontinental missions, Taranis is capable of carrying various weapons and is one of the most advanced UCAVs in development.
3. Black Hornet Nano
Purpose: Surveillance
Overview: While not developed by the MoD, the Black Hornet Nano has been employed by the British Army for localized surveillance. This palm-sized drone provides real-time situational awareness for troops on the ground.
4. Desert Hawk III
Purpose: Over-the-Hill Surveillance and Reconnaissance
Overview: The Desert Hawk III is a hand-launched drone used by British forces. It’s lightweight and provides real-time video footage, making it ideal for short-range reconnaissance missions.
5. Reaper MQ-9
Purpose: Surveillance and Combat
Overview: Although the Reaper MQ-9 is a U.S.-made drone, it has been extensively used by the British military. The UK is one of its primary international operators, using it for both surveillance and, controversially, drone strikes.
The introduction of the Hydra 400, the latest drone project by the MoD, seems to be a natural progression in the UK’s ongoing efforts to advance its drone technology. With its hybrid propulsion system and heavy-lift capabilities, the Hydra 400 is set to become a significant asset in modern warfare and defense strategies.