The British Army has ordered an unspecified number of Magni-X micro-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) from Elbit Systems UK.
According to the company, the agreement is part of the service’s Human Machine Teaming project focused on integrating robotics and autonomous systems.
The Magni-X systems will be equipped with electro-optical and infrared gimballed cameras to support extensive reconnaissance missions.
“This contract represents another milestone in Elbit Systems UK’s delivery of advanced UAS systems to the UK Armed Forces,” company official Martin Fausset said in a press release.
“The unique capabilities of these systems demonstrate our commitment to being at the forefront of technological advances to support the integration of robotics and autonomous systems to enhance the British Army’s capabilities.”
As part of the contract, the British Army can exercise the option to receive additional Magni-Xs in the future.
‘Force Multiplier’
The Magni-X is a military-grade vertical take-off and landing drone capable of autonomous flight.
Weighing only two kilograms (4.4 pounds), the system is backpack-portable and can easily be transported using land or aerial-based vehicles.
It also has a low radar and acoustic signature, making it suitable for covert intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
The drone’s maximum flight endurance is 60 minutes.
According to Elbit Systems UK, the Magni-X can be integrated with the Legion-X autonomous networked combat solution to give it swarming capabilities and act as a force multiplier for British soldiers.