BAE Systems to take wraps off Mantis UAV
BAE Systems unveils the Mantis UAV at its outdoor exhibition site today.

BAE Systems unveils the Mantis UAV at its outdoor exhibition site today. The Mantis, shown in full-scale model form, is armed with GBU-12 laser-guided bombs and Brimstone missiles on its six weapon pylons. The twin-prop, T-tailed vehicle is equipped with a multi-sensor turret and radar under the fuselage, and a satcom antenna in the upper nose section. It employs a triplex flight control system. The vehicle appears to be in the same class as the Reaper hunter-killer UAV, which the RAF currently flies in Afghanistan.

The Mantis is being developed as an advanced concept technology demonstrator, jointly funded by the UK Ministry of Defence. Industrial partners include Rolls-Royce, QinetiQ, Selex Galileo, GE Aviation and Meggitt. Design and manufacture of both the air vehicle and its ground infrastructure is already under way, with an aim to fly early next year.