A new milestone has been reached in the world of unmanned air combat as the JACKAL drone completes its first successful firing of a Thales Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM). Developed by UK-based Flyby Technology, in partnership with Turkish firms FlyBVLOS Technology and Maxwell Innovations, the JACKAL drone is designed to operate over land, sea, and air, and can perform a variety of combat missions.
The trial, sponsored by the Rapid Capabilities Office of the Royal Air Force, involved the impressive achievement of building two operational JACKAL aircraft from scratch and successfully firing two LMMs in just a six-week window, demonstrating remarkable agility and teamwork.
JACKAL’s versatile Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) platform can perform roles such as Battlefield Air Interdiction, Close Air Support, engaging helicopters in flight and killing tanks, as well as denying the use of runways and roads. The plug-and-play system allows for new equipment and technologies to be incorporated into the drone between missions, ensuring that future aircraft are relevant and compliant with airworthiness standards.
JACKAL’s unique selling points include its ability to take off and land vertically, making it advantageous over traditional fighter jets as there is no need for vulnerable runways. It also means that JACKAL can operate from hidden locations such as woods and urban built-up areas, making it a valuable asset in modern combat operations.
With JACKAL, many nations that cannot afford attack helicopters or access fast jets can still benefit from the same combat capabilities at a fraction of the price and with little risk. Firing a missile from JACKAL is a significant achievement, as it adds to the complexity of the challenge of firing a sophisticated missile under the best of conditions. However, the combined teams of Flyby Technology and Thales rose to the challenge magnificently, proving that JACKAL is a devastating combat capability that can fire modern battlefield weapons in flight.
JACKAL’s successful trial firing of a missile brings us one step closer to unmanned air combat becoming a reality. Flyby Technology and Thales have demonstrated impressive teamwork and agility, paving the way for future developments in this sector. The JACKAL team is now focused on productizing the capability, while the aircraft undergoes further enhancements and tactical development.
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