Royal Marines and drone operators from 700X Naval Air Squadron and Commando Logistic Regiment have tested the Malloy T-150s in the Arctic and the Indian Ocean over the past eight months. This work has led to the systems being declared ready to Release to Service, meaning they are cleared for operational use.
The Malloy T-150 can carry up to 68kg, has an endurance of 40 minutes and a top speed of 60mph. It requires two operators and can fly manually or autonomously, delivering loads over terrain where traditional supply routes are not possible.
Brigadier Chris Haw, Head of the Commando Forces Programme, said: “The UK Commando Force continues to be at the vanguard of operational change in embedding digital and autonomous systems into the way we fight. The introduction of logistic drones represents a significant expansion in the Commando Force’s use of Uncrewed Aerial Systems, beyond those already in-service for surveillance/reconnaissance, and importantly reduces the risk to personnel during tactical re-supply.”
He added: “Tested in operationally representative conditions, and developed in close collaboration with Malloy, the equipment and operators have made considerable progress. The T-150 has great potential for broader use-cases as we have recently seen in operational theatres and on the Carrier Strike deployment.”
Neil Appleton, CEO Malloy Aeronautics, said: “The UK Release to Service of our T-150 platform is a milestone we’re incredibly proud to be a part of. As a multi-role UAS, the T-150 can be used for Replenishment at Sea one day and resupplying deployed Royal Marines Commandos the next. It’s a game-changer for the modern battlefield and we are proud to deliver this capability to those who need it most.”
He added: “We’ve partnered with the UK Armed Forces throughout this programme, from the Royal Marines Commando Force to wider Ministry of Defence organisations to deliver this capability at pace, including training and in service support. We welcome this further strengthening of our partnership with the UK armed forces and remain committed to expanding the capability of our multi-role solutions for the UK.”
The Malloy T-150 is also undergoing evaluation with the UK Carrier Strike Group in the Indo-Pacific, where it has delivered supplies from HMS Prince of Wales to HMS Dauntless in a first for the Royal Navy. Meanwhile, Peregrine has been developed with Thales and Schiebel to provide shipborne uncrewed surveillance capability with the Thales IMaster radar.
Marie Gayrel, Thales Vice-President Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Business Line, said: “As Thales, along with Schiebel, we are proud to partner with the Royal Navy in delivering the Peregrine capability. Its operational success aboard HMS Lancaster demonstrates the potential of rotary wing uncrewed air systems to transform maritime operations.”
She added: “This milestone highlights our shared commitment to innovation, safety and delivering critical capability to the Fleet, fully aligned with the Royal Navy’s transformation agenda.”
Captain Dave Gillett, Head of Navy Develop’s Maritime Aviation & Carrier Strike, said: “The introduction of Peregrine into service is a game-changer for our surface fleet. Its successful deployment with HMS Lancaster shows how uncrewed systems can deliver real operational advantage, extending our surveillance reach and enhancing our decision-making in theatre.”
He added: “With the integration of the IMaster radar, Peregrine provides exceptional surveillance capability and is a vital step for wider Maritime Aviation Transformation, ensuring the Royal Navy remains at the forefront of innovation in naval aviation.”
Source: Royal Navy.
