The Royal Australian Navy’s ships could soon be equipped with an unmanned aerial vehicle delivery system, following the validation of the technology’s effectiveness for naval missions.
During Exercise Talisman Sabre 25, personnel from Navy Minor Project 1983 tested the potential of the FreeSpace Operations-made Callisto 50 logistics drone, which can carry out a variety of deliveries. This capability could allow crew members to take more rest breaks or perform high-priority tasks.
According to its product page, the Callisto drone can carry a payload of up to 26 kilograms while ensuring single-propulsion fault tolerance in case of propeller failure. The drone has several features, including a camera for situational awareness, a 5- to 20-kilometer communication range and an ArduCopter autopilot system.
Drone Delivery Potential
The FreeSpace drone test follows the Royal Australian Navy’s effort to perform a fully automated vertical replenishment between HMAS Canberra and an LHD landing craft.
“Uncrewed systems are cheaper to operate and can do so in a greater range of [radiation hazards] and sea states that crewed systems may be restricted from,” said Andrew Watson, the project lead commander. “They don’t require a ship to change course to recover the vehicle like it might with a helicopter, so it’ll be an effective bit of kit if we can get to that stage.”
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