BAE Systems, QinetiQ test Eurofighter's control of UAVs

BAE Systems and QinetiQ have tested the control of UAVs from a Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft under the UK's Project Hera. While trials to date have been exclusively synthetic, real-world testing is expected in 2026. (BAE Systems)

BAE Systems and QinetiQ have tested the control of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from a Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft under the auspices of the UK's Project Hera.

Announced on 9 September, the tests that were supported by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) have so far been conducted in a synthetic environment, with real-world trials set to follow.

“The trials served multiple purposes to validate elements including connectivity, interoperability, human-machine interface, and goal-based autonomy, using simulated current and operational military datalinks including Link 16,” BAE Systems said.

“The trial forms part of the collaborative Project Hera between [BAE Systems and QinetiQ], and supports the development of future crewed-uncrewed teaming (CUC-T) capability [also known as manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T)] and operations by enabling uncrewed systems to perform dull, dirty, and/or dangerous tasks under the control of the crewed assets. This keeps the pilot and crewed platform out of harm's way and is more operationally effective while providing affordable combat mass,” it added.

As noted in the announcement, the trials build on an agreement signed in September 2023 between BAE Systems and QinetiQ to explore CUC-T/MUM-T, UAV development, and associated mission management systems, and to support interoperability with existing and future crewed and uncrewed systems.

“The trials will inform other programmes, including the design and development of Tier 2 Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACPs) and wider multisector interoperability. The ambition for the project is to take this forward into live trials using a Link 16 datalink; however, this is contingent on further customer discussions,” BAE Systems said.