Ministry of Defence · Awarded contract

Awarded

Award of Heavy Lift Challenge Framework for Autonomous Heavy Lift Uncrewed Air Systems to W Autonomous Systems Ltd and Malloy Aeronautics Ltd

Awarded 29 Sep 2021

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Awarded29 Sep 2021

Value£20,000,000.00

SupplierW Autonomous Systems Ltd,Malloy Aeronautics Ltd

AgencyMinistry of Defence

RegionUnited Kingdom

CategoryDefense & Aerospace

Ended 1y 1mo ago4y term

Awarded 29 Sept 2021Expired 28 Sept 2025

About

Ministry of Defence awarded a contract to W Autonomous Systems Ltd and Malloy Aeronautics Ltd for the Heavy Lift Challenge (HLC) Framework, valued at £20,000,000.

The framework was created to accelerate the development of autonomous Heavy Lift Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) for use predominantly in the maritime domain.

It aims to address the lack of current market options by increasing the number of delivery-ready platforms and to support the Authority's understanding of potential capabilities.

The Authority will facilitate accelerated development of supplier UAS to meet or exceed a defined Minimum Viable Product.

The intent is to ensure Defence has access to emerging cutting-edge capabilities for the Royal Navy and other domains.

The framework enables suppliers to demonstrate current capabilities, set out product development and commercial exploitation roadmaps, and work with the Authority and potentially other suppliers to accelerate development and reduce time to market.

The purpose is to support and inform the development of Maritime operating concepts and enable assessment, analysis, exploration, and evaluation of UAS for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) payload delivery.

Specifically, the framework aims to provide Sponsor/User confidence in UAS for recoverable, adaptable, remotely piloted air systems capable of accurately delivering heavy payloads at range, and to enable the Authority to identify and fund the most viable solutions for accelerated further development.

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