United Kingdom plans to launch heavy drones from vans with new ultra-fast tactical system (X @RoyalAirForce)
The United Kingdom, through its Ministry of Defence, is developing a new rapid launch system for drones called Project VOLLEY.
The proposal is to create mobile launchers capable of deploying five uncrewed, fixed-wing drones without their own propulsion in under four minutes, from vehicles such as Transit vans or Sprinter trucks.
The goal is for the system to be lightweight, portable, easy to operate—ideally by one person—and functional in extreme environments, both day and night, even when wearing gloves or using night vision equipment.
The equipment must be able to launch drones weighing up to 125 kg at speeds of at least 200 km/h, operate between -20°C and +55°C, and be robust enough to withstand fuel leaks, jet heat, and transport damage. In addition, the system must have a low visual, thermal, and acoustic signature to blend easily into its surroundings. The Ministry wants a simple product, without the use of rocket-assisted takeoff (RATO) or full automation, with an adjustable launch angle between 8 and 30 degrees.
The schedule includes an Industry Day on June 18, 2025, followed by a competition on August 1 and field demonstrations in October. The first deliveries are expected by January 2026, with plans to acquire more than 20 launchers, each costing under USD 407,000 and suitable for scalable production.
Full or partial proposals are welcome, including from partner countries such as NATO members, Ukraine, and Five Eyes nations.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @RoyalAirForce | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
