The United Kingdom invests $33.7 million in an aerial system to launch boats with the A400M

English Posted on  —by Carro e motos
UK invests $33.7 million in aerial system to drop boats with the A400M
UK invests $33.7 million in aerial system to drop boats with the A400M (X @NavyLookout)

The British Royal Air Force (RAF) will have a new system for aerial boat deployment, after the company IrvinGQ secured a $33.7 million contract with the UK Ministry of Defence.

The agreement foresees the manufacture of up to 25 units of the PRIBAD system, as well as in-service support for up to ten years. The technology will allow Atlas A400M transport aircraft to directly deploy rigid-hull boats in maritime operations.

The PRIBAD was developed to carry boats between 6 and 14 meters long and up to 12 tonnes, with a modular structure that can be adapted to different loads. Already successfully tested in over 500 drops on international platforms, the system was chosen by the UK Defence after a rigorous evaluation. First flight tests are expected in late 2025 and early 2026, conducted by the Air Test & Evaluation Centre (ATEC) with support from the Air and Space Warfare Centre.

Deliveries are scheduled until 2029, in different phases, accompanied by training for RAF crews, Army personnel, and maintenance teams. In addition to enhancing the UK’s operational capacity, the project also ensures industrial benefits for South Wales, creating and maintaining skilled jobs.

Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @NavyLookout | This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team

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