BAE Mantis

infobox Aircraft
name = Mantis
type = Remote controlled UAV
manufacturer = BAE Systems



caption = Mock up of BAE Systems Mantis at Farnborough Airshow 2008
designer =
first flight =
introduction = 2009
retired =
status =
primary user = United Kingdom
more users =
produced =
number built =
program cost=
unit cost =
developed from =
variants with their own articles =

The BAE Systems Mantis Unmanned Autonomous System Advanced Concept Technology Demonstrator is a British demonstrator programme for Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) technology. The Mantis is a twin-engined turboprop-powered UCAV with a wingspan of approximately 22 m, broadly comparable to the MQ-9 Reaper. Other partners involved in Phase 1 of the Mantis programme include the UK Ministry of Defence, Rolls-Royce, QinetiQ, GE Aviation, SELEX Galileo and Meggitt.

Design and development

Development of the Mantis started in late 2007, a mock-up being revealed at the 2008 Farnborough International Air Show. The Phase 1 Mantis vehicle, expected to fly in 2009, will be powered by two Rolls-Royce's RB250 turboprop engines, although this is likely to change in later variants, and is intended to have at least 24-hour endurance. Phase 1 is intended to demonstrating BAE Systems' rapid prototyping capabilities and will focus on the evaluation of autonomous control systems. Later phases may evaluate civilian applications, armed variants and sensor packages.

The large dome on the front, reminiscent of a pilot's canopy, contains an upward facing satellite communications system.

pecifications

References

*cite web|url=http://www.baesystems.com/Sites/FarnboroughInternationalAirshow2008/Newsroom/autoGen_10861413322.html
title=BAE Systems and UK MOD Announce Mantis UAS Demonstrator Programme
work=www.baesystems.com
date=2008-07-14
accessdate=2008-07-17
*cite web|url=http://www.defensenews.com/osd_story.php?sh=VSDF&i=3625470&c=EUR&s=AIR
title=BAE To Build Knowledge Base With UAV
work=DefenseNews
last=Chuter
first=Andrew
date=2008-07-14
accessdate=2008-07-17

ee also

aircontent
related=
*BAE Corax
*BAE HERTI
*BAE Taranis
*BAE GA22

similar aircraft=

sequence=

lists=
* List of unmanned aerial vehicles

see also=
* Unmanned aerial vehicle