BAE Systems expands UAS portfolio with acquisition of Malloy Aeronautics

In a strategic move to bolster its capabilities in uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), BAE Systems has acquired Malloy Aeronautics, a pioneer in heavy lift drone and aeronautical technologies. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in the aerospace and defense sector, bringing together BAE Systems’ extensive expertise with Malloy Aeronautics’ innovative solutions in all-electric UAS.

Malloy Aeronautics, known for its cutting-edge design and supply of uncrewed, heavy lift quadcopters, caters to both civil and military customers. Their drones are notable for their ability to lift payloads ranging from 68kg to 300kg over short to medium range missions, offering a versatile and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods while minimizing risk to valuable assets and human life.

With an 80-strong workforce, Malloy Aeronautics will continue its operations from its Berkshire site, maintaining support for its existing customer base. The partnership between BAE Systems and Malloy, which began in 2021, aims to further enhance Malloy’s portfolio while accelerating the delivery of new technologies worldwide.

BAE Systems and Malloy Aeronautics: Forging the Future of Heavy Lift Uncrewed Aerial Systems

Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Air sector, emphasized the acquisition’s role in BAE’s strategy to invest in breakthrough technologies. He highlighted the potential for synergies between the two companies to advance UAS solutions and meet evolving customer needs.

Oriol Badia, COO of Malloy Aeronautics, reflected on the company’s decade-long journey from concept to the creation of sustainable electric heavy lift technology. The collaboration with BAE Systems is expected to amplify Malloy’s innovative capabilities, scaling up to meet customer demands more effectively and swiftly bringing new products like the T-650 to market.

The companies have jointly worked on the T-650 300kg all-electric ‘heavy lift’ UAS, aiming to offer a sustainable, cost-efficient rapid response solution for military, security, and civilian applications. This follows the successful demonstration of the T-600 electric uncrewed demonstrator aircraft at a large NATO exercise, showcasing the potential of these technologies in operational scenarios.

Malloy Aeronautics will integrate into FalconWorks, BAE Systems’ Air sector R&D business, where it will continue to develop and innovate within the UAS domain.

The acquisition of Malloy Aeronautics by BAE Systems is a testament to the growing importance of UAS in modern military and civilian applications. By combining Malloy’s innovative heavy lift drone technology with BAE’s expansive aerospace and defense expertise, this partnership is poised to lead advancements in sustainable, efficient aerial solutions. This move not only signifies a leap forward in aerial capabilities but also reinforces the role of electric propulsion technologies in shaping the future of aerospace.