The UK Ministry of Defense has announced a search for industry proposals for a new rapid launch system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as part of the "VOLLEY Project". The goal of the project is to deploy multiple mobile launchers capable of launching five fixed—wing drones in less than four minutes, with each drone launching at one-minute intervals.
According to the published preliminary information notice, the launcher should provide a quick launch of several UAVs from one platform, including time for preparation, launch and recovery. The system is required to be able to launch at least five reference drones within four minutes of the first launch, and then recover in a maximum of ten minutes. The launch should take place from an even and static position.
A special feature of the project is the requirement to launch drones weighing up to 125 kg at a speed of at least 60 m/s (about 200 km/h) without using rocket boosters or other auxiliary mechanisms other than the launcher itself. At the same time, the system must be mobile and installed on vehicles such as a large Sprinter van or a regular Transit.
The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that the system must be easy to assemble, reliable, able to withstand the effects of reactive gases, fuel spills and mechanical damage, as well as have minimal acoustic, thermal and visual visibility in order to effectively hide in the field.
The launcher operation should require a minimum of one to three personnel, with the ability to operate in all weather conditions, at night and when using night vision devices.
The VOLLEY project provides for the holding of an industry day on June 18, 2025, the Dragon's Den competition on August 1, field trials in October and the first deliveries no later than January 2026. It is expected that more than 20 launchers will be ordered, each costing less than 300 thousand pounds.
The project is open for international cooperation, including NATO countries, Ukraine and the Five Eyes allies.
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