BAE System Australia’s long-range drone Strix passes new milestone.

Strix, the long-range drone by BAE Systems Australia, has cleared a significant milestone by passing its critical design review (CDR), as reported by UAS Vision. Although the project is slightly delayed for its first flight, BAE Systems is aiming to deliver an operational system for Strix by 2026. The CDR process prompted key modifications in certain platform elements compared to the model showcased at the Avalon International Airshow and DSEI London, leading to a shift in the initial flight schedule from late 2023 to the first half of 2024.

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Strix serves dual roles as a weapons platform and an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, capable of operating from both land and ships (Picture source: BAE Systems Australia)

Strix is a Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) drone designed to fit snugly within a standard shipping container. It serves dual roles as a weapons platform and an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, capable of operating from both land and ships. The project is a collaborative effort between BAE Systems and Innovaero, a company with expertise in product design and manufacturing in the Australian market.

A notable feature of Strix is its ease of deployment, fitting into a standard shipping container in about a minute. When devoid of weapons, it weighs around 650 kilograms, making it easy to transport on a truck to its next location.

Presently, BAE Systems Australia is actively developing a full-scale prototype, with propulsion testing already completed on a static rig at the Henderson shipyard in Western Australia. Concurrently, testing is underway for the propeller, motor, battery configuration, and components of the autonomy system that will be integrated into the platform.

The first flight trials are primarily intended to demonstrate Strix's VTOL capabilities, including the transition to conventional flight and landing. The aircraft is designed to have a "representative maximum take-off weight" of approximately 900 kilograms.

BAE Systems Australia has also utilized a digital twin of Strix in a physics-based simulation for testing purposes, which has included missions like maritime operations. The company aims to increase the "sovereign" content of the system as it advances through development and production, with contributions from various sectors of Australian industry.

Notably, since Strix is entirely developed in Australia, its intellectual property is not subject to American ITAR regulations or British arms export controls.

BAE Systems Australia is actively exploring opportunities to offer Strix to the Australian Army and Navy, as well as international markets. Strix boasts a "payload-agnostic architecture," allowing customers to easily adapt it to different weapons and sensors for various mission scenarios.

During its initial unveiling, Strix was showcased as compatible with a range of weapons, including the AGM-114 Hellfire, Brimstone, APKWS II 70mm laser-guided rockets, AGM-179 JAGM-MR, and a new Razer precision-guided munition (LCPGM) developed by BAE Systems Australia.

Regarding funding, BAE Systems Australia did not disclose specific amounts allocated to the Strix project but noted that, in 2022, the company allocated AUD $3.75 billion to research and development, with AUD $545 million coming from self-funded investment. This highlights the company's commitment to advancing cutting-edge defense technology.

In conclusion, Strix represents a significant advancement in long-range drone technology. Its adaptability, payload versatility, and focus on rapid deployment make it an attractive option for national and international defense markets. The successful completion of its CDR and ongoing testing and development showcase BAE Systems Australia's dedication to delivering a state-of-the-art unmanned aircraft system.