+49 2641 3703 – 0 +49 2641 3703 – 199 info@moench-group.com

Animal Dynamics Stork STM Selected for RN UASHLC Phase 2

Parafoil UAS Unique in Meeting Challenging Requirements

The Stork STM parafoil UAS from Animal Dynamics has been selected as a candidate for Phase 2 of the Royal Navy’s Uncrewed Aerial Systems Heavy Lift Challenge (UASHLC), the company announced on 14 March.

An autonomous aerial logistics platform, Stork STM is capable of beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, bearing a 135kg payload over a 400km distance. The payload capacity reflects the optimum weight for resupplying an eight-person section of dismounted troops for two days – the company claims Stork STM is the only platform currently able to meet the RN’s stated requirements. UASHLC Phase 2 aims to explore potential use cases for unmanned technologies to deliver supplies and equipment intra-theatre (ship-to-ship) and inter-theatre (ship-to-shore/shore-to-ship), freeing up  crewed assets to conduct more specialised tasks.

Animal Dynamics successfully demonstrated the platform’s abilities in a pre-selection flying competition last year, in which it scored very highly. Further flight trials are contemplated for the next round of UASHLC testing. The aircraft will also be ‘marinised,’ integrating secure satcom to demonstrate its operational ubiquity and featuring a sonobuoy dispenser to demonstrate multi-mission flexibility. Additional wing development work will also be conducted to include a retraction capability to facilitate safe deck operations.

Stork STM’s parafoil design overcomes many of the challenges associated with heavy-lift multirotor and hybrid VTOL designs – particularly the range limitations imposed by significant take-off and landing power requirements. It is also able to operate from unprepared ground over short distances, by comparison with other solutions.

Selection by the UK MoD and the Royal Navy reflects the fantastic capabilities the Stork STM has to offer, and the strength and experience of the team in terms of engineering, flight ops and certification,” commented CEO Adrian Thomas. The company is convinced the unique parafoil heavy-lift UAS will more than hold its own in the forthcoming competitive assessment. “Our success in being selected for the next phase of the UASHLC has validated that our design concept can meet challenging customer requirements at a live demo. Our operations team relished the opportunity to conduct a live demo, during which the Stork STM performed fantastically, showing to the MoD the potential that our technology could play in naval resupply roles,” explained Chris Roberts, Head of Engineering Operations.

The Stork STM will soon be demonstrating its flexible and adaptable nature in further flight testing. (Animal Dynamics)

Related Posts

Publish date

03/15/2023

Sign up to our newsletter and stay up to date.

News

Air

C4ISR

Components / Systems

Cyber

Defence Business

Homeland Security

International Security

Land

Latin America (Spanish)

Logistics

Naval

Training & Simulation

Space

Special Forces

Unmanned

Publications

Contact Us

Contact Info

Mönch Verlagsgesellschaft mbH
Christine-Demmer-Straße 7
53474 Bad Neuenahr – Ahrweiler

+49 2641 3703 – 0

+49 2641 3703 - 199

Follow On

X