BAE Systems has acquired Malloy Aeronautics, a Berkshire, U.K.-based manufacturer of all-electric, heavy-lift drones for civilian and military users.
Malloy’s drone variations have interchangeable capabilities, offering flexibility, cost-reduction and more secure operations than traditional UAS, BAE said. The company sees the purchase further accelerating Malloy’s drone development to meet global customers’ advanced technology requirements.
FalconWorks, the BAE Systems air sector’s research and development arm, will absorb Malloy Aeronautics and its 80-person workforce, bringing in the capability to manufacture uncrewed quadcopters with payload capacities in the 68 to 300-kilogram range.
Simon Barnes, BAE Systems air sector managing director, said the acquisition aligns with the company’s strategy to invest and work on breakthrough technologies complementing its existing capabilities in unmanned aerial systems.
BAE had previously collaborated with Malloy engineers to develop a 300 kg all-electric, heavy-lift UAS demonstrated during a NATO exercise called Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping with Maritime Uncrewed Systems.
In another UAS innovation, BAE’s Australian subsidiary revised the design of its Strix vertical takeoff and landing drone to improve on an earlier model showcased at the Avalon Airshow in February 2023.