The U.K. has tested cargo delivery using an HCMC drone on its largest aircraft carrier, the $3.85 billion HMS Prince of Whales

The UK Royal Navy has tested the delivery of cargo to the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Whales. HCMC drone was used for this purpose.

Here's What We Know

The test took place in the south-west of England as HMS Prince of Whales travelled to the south coast of the US for exercises. The drone took off from the airfield, flew for about 20 minutes and landed on the deck of the UK Royal Navy's largest aircraft carrier.

The HCMC then offloaded its cargo, took off and flew back to the aerodrome. The test programme is designed to assess the possibility of deploying drones as part of the British Navy's aircraft carrier strike group. The UAVs will be able to deliver supplies and spare parts, relieving helicopters of this job.

The trial was an important step towards the safe use of drones alongside the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, as well as the Merlin and Wildcat helicopters. They currently form the backbone of the UK Royal Navy's aviation force.

The HCMC is a twin beam drone equipped with two motors. It can deliver up to 100kg of cargo at a distance of up to 1000km. The UAV received an automatic piloting system, which was developed by Distributed Avionics.

Previously, the United Kingdom has already conducted similar tests. At that time small quadrocopters and an unmanned target Banshee, which makes a landing with the help of a parachute system, were used.

During the US exercise, the Mojave attack drone will land on the deck of HMS Prince of Wales. The UK is also buying the Camcopter S-100 reconnaissance UAV and has struck a deal with Leonardo to develop an unmanned helicopter.

Source: Royal Navy