UK firm Kraken Technology Group and Connecticut-based Capewell have teamed up to pull off the first-ever airdrop of an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) from an A400M transport aircraft.
During a series of tests, Kraken’s K3 SCOUT USV was repeatedly deployed from Capewell’s Universal Maritime Craft Aerial Delivery System (UMCADS) at altitudes of 1,300 feet (396 meters) in Sea State 4 conditions, where waves reach 4 to 8 feet (1.25 to 2.5 meters).
The demo combined the USV’s optional airdrop kit with UMCADS’ reusable parachute pallet system, which is designed as a general-use tool for airdropping different vessels into contested waters.
Read the full story on our new publication, The Drone Front: UK-US Team Pulls Off ‘World’s First’ Airdrop of USV From A400M Aircraft
