Stork STM parafoil UAV to take place in navy trials

Stork STM is an autonomous aerial logistics vehicle that is capable of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations carrying payloads weighing 135kg over 400km. The Oxford-based company said that this payload capacity has been chosen as it is an optimum weight to resupply an eight-person section for two days.

UASHLC Phase 2 is a joint endeavour between Defence Equipment & Support’s (DE&S) Future Capability Group and the Royal Navy’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer and 700X Naval Air Squadron. It aims to explore potential use cases for uncrewed technologies to deliver supplies and equipment from ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore and vice versa.

Animal Dynamics demonstrated the Stork STM’s ability to carry substantial payloads over a large distance as part of a pre-selection flying competition that took place in 2022. The Stork STM will now continue to the next round of UASHLC testing, with flight trials planned to take place in Cornwall.

As part of UASHLC, Animal Dynamics will marinize the Stork STM by integrating secure satellite communications and a sonobuoy dispenser. The vehicle will also undergo additional wing development work that includes a retraction capability making it safe for deck operations.

The Stork STM’s parafoil design is said to overcome many of the challenges associated with heavy-lift multirotor and hybrid VTOL designs, which are often range limited due to the need for significant power during take-off and landing. The Stork STM can take-off and land in short distances on unprepared ground.

Adrian Thomas, CEO, Animal Dynamics, said: “We are very excited to have won a place in the UASHLC through our performance in the fly-offs against strong competition from established UAV and aerospace companies. Selection by the UK Ministry of Defence (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.”