UK To Test Flight Unmanned Jet

By: Elgin

In 2011, we will see a test flight for unmanned stealth jet called 'Taranis'.

Taranis is a project of informal partnership among UK Ministry of Department and British engineering firms such as BAE Systems, Rolls Royce, Qinetics and GE Aviation.


Taranis is designed to be invisible to ground radar, to travel at high jet speeds and cover massive distances between continents. It is built to carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance on enemy territory using onboard sensors. Not just that, it has a long-range strike capability for it can carry a cache weapons - including bombs and missiles.
Taranis Specs

Dimensions:

Approximate Height

4m

Approximate Dimensions

11.35m x 9.94m

Weight

8t

Performance:
Range

Intercontinental

Estimate of Engine Thrust

6,480lb

Corax Air Vehicle:

Corax Air Vehicle:

Estimated Wingspan

9.1m

Kestrel Air Vehicle:

Estimated Wingspan

5.5m

AMT Turbojet Engines

2 x 0.29kN

Landing Gear

Fixed tricycle-type landing gear

Raven Air Vehicle:

Estimated Wingspan

5.5m

Landing Gear

Retractable tricycle-type landing gear

As Gerald Howarth, Minister for International Security Strategy, said: 'Taranis is a truly trailblazing project. (It's) The first of its kind in the UK, it reflects the best of our nation’s advanced design and technology skills and is a leading programme on the global stage.'

The project itself costs £143 million. However, the project, as Howarth said:'... shows the UK's advanced engineering, research, technology and innovation sector at its world-beating best.'