The UK Ministry of Defence announced that it has down-selected Anduril UK for the next phase of the British Army’s Project NYX: the development of a “loyal wingman” or “autonomous collaborative platform” to operate alongside British Army AH-64 Apache helicopters. Archer Aviation is partnered with Anduril on the programme.
Other selected companies are BAE Systems Operations Ltd, Tekever Ltd and Thales UK Ltd
“Archer Aviation is bringing their world-class VTOL aircraft design expertise and proprietary hybrid powertrain technology, ensuring that we deliver the high performance capability that the British Army demands,” said Dr. Rich Drake, General Manager of Anduril UK, in an X post.
“Project NYX is the Army’s concept demonstrator programme to develop Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS), capable of operating as ‘loyal wingmen’ to Apache crews across a range of missions,” said a UK Ministry of Defence news release. “These will include reconnaissance, precision strike, target acquisition and electronic warfare in contested environments. The drones will be fully autonomous with Apache pilots benefitting from the information they’re providing, without needing to control them directly. All decisions which result in the use of weapons will continue to be made by a human.
For more information
https://x.com/anduriltech/status/2055274216195588410
(Image: Anduril)