Following the recent announcement of a strategic partnership between Overwatch Group and PteroDynamics, the companies have this week completed the first ever UK flights with the pioneering Transwing® unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Overwatch are a UK-based end-to-end design and manufacture company specialising in advanced unmanned system and munitions technologies, and PteroDynamics are innovators in vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft systems. Overwatch and PteroDynamics will be conducting the first flight demonstrations of the Transwing® capability to government and industry stakeholders at their site in the UK on 22nd and 23rd July.
Transwing® has been designed to overcome the challenges of carrying significant payloads whilst delivering the range required to provide enhanced operational effect. The unique dihedral folding wing system generates more surface area for greater lift and load carrying stability with less power, providing the ability to launch and land on small footprints regardless of the angle. The dual-use autonomous Transwing® series of variants also provides a range of innovative UAS capabilities designed to push the boundaries of operational flexibility and efficiency. Next week’s demonstrations will feature the smaller electric version of the Transwing® with its 6.8kg payload, 65 knot cruising speed and 60nm range. Its enhanced manoeuvrability in austere conditions and confined spaces, and impressive beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) capabilities brings greater opportunity for mission success in civilian and defence maritime, land and air operating environments.
Traditionally, critical items delivered by air for resupply are conducted using manned aviation assets. On the basis of ‘Think Big, Start Small and Scale at Pace”, the payloads selected for the Transwing® X-P4 and X-P5 variants have been driven by studies into critical resupply to ships. The study of 3500 sorties using helicopters found that 46% had a payload under 1Kg and over 90% were under 25Kg. The ability of Transwing® to carry payloads that land and launch on moving vessels and vehicles, coupled with a significantly reduced real estate footprint underscores its adaptability for at sea and land applications, where autonomous operation and payload delivery are becoming increasingly critical requirements.
Central to Overwatch’s strategy is to drive innovation and efficiency in UAS technology across their range of capabilities, with a keen focus on meeting evolving requirements. The Transwing® UAS enhances operational effect by seamlessly integrating reduced platform operating costs, quicker mission turnaround times, and improved safety protocols. The system can perform potentially dangerous, high-risk evolutions with maximum efficiency and minimal risk to personnel by removing human exposure to certain threats.
Drew Michael, CEO at Overwatch Group said, “We are extremely proud to have completed the first ever UK flights working in collaboration with PteroDynamics, with progress to introduce the Transwing® UAS to the UK accelerating rapidly since the recent announcement of our strategic partnership. After today’s successful training flights, excitement is building towards the Overwatch UK Transwing® flight demonstrations next week. It will be our first opportunity to deploy the Transwing® and for visitors to see its unique proprietary advantages over traditional VTOL platforms.”