The UK Ministry of Defence has initiated the VANQUISH project to develop an autonomous fixed-wing short take-off and landing (STOL) jet capable of operating from Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers without the need for catapults and aerofinishing systems, Army Recognition reports.
The first demonstration of the aircraft at sea is expected by the end of 2026. The potential list of tasks for the system includes reconnaissance, surveillance, reconnaissance, strike operations and aerial refueling.
At the same time, the new drones will be cheap enough to be used in high-risk missions. They will cost much less than the F-35B Lightning II or other manned aircraft, and they will not endanger people.
According to the terms of reference, the VANQUISH aircraft are to be fully autonomously launched and landed on a Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier. The aircraft will be equipped with turbojet engines, which will ensure high subsonic flight speeds.
The system must also have autonomous navigation, automatic ship landing control, and advanced mission control software that will allow it to interface with manned aircraft.
At the same time, according to the publication, the VANQUISH specification does not require a specific model of airframe or power plant. That is, developers can create their own versions of unmanned aircraft.
If the first demonstration is successfully completed by the end of 2026, the VANQUISH project could form the basis of a broader unmanned aerial vehicle program.
It was previously reported that the British company MGI will send strike drones to Ukraine that can strike at a distance of 250 km. It is noted that Ukrainian partners are already ready to produce such drones.