Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Blue Bear successfully demonstrates drone swarm

Aerospace

Blue Bear successfully demonstrates drone swarm

Blue Bear Systems Research Ltd, in Bedford, has successfully demonstrated a fully autonomous suite of multiple drone swarm assets, under Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) conditions.

Above: Blue Bear Cobra Drones.
Courtesy Blue Bea r

This technology enables complex drone operations, where multiple assets are able to carry out simultaneous tasks, controlled by a single user, to create a swarm effect.

The five fixed wing drones clocked up 15 hours of flying time, over four days, in challenging weather conditions. The swarm comprised a combination of Blue Bear’s own Redkite and Cobra fixed wing systems, which flew multiple, simultaneous, sorties from a test range in the North West of England.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The drones were equipped with the latest Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology, and the airspace was managed by Blue Bear’s airspace deconfliction software. All of the assets were controlled by a single operator from Blue Bear’s Mission Command Control System (MCCS).

Ian Williams-Wynn, Managing Director of Blue Bear Systems, said: “This is an exciting development for us, proving our ability to operate multiple drones, simultaneously, using the latest Blue Bear technology to deliver a swarm effect under BVLOS conditions.”

Yoge Patel, CEO of Blue Bear, added: “As agile innovators, this, once again, proves that we are able to develop game-changing capability rapidly.”

Advertisement
ODU RT


 

Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard
Prof. Malcolm Macdonald assumes Presidency of RAeS

Aerospace

Prof. Malcolm Macdonald assumes Presidency of RAeS

14 May 2026

Professor Malcolm Macdonald FRAeS assumes the Presidency of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) - the oldest aeronautical society in the world and the only professional body dedicated to the entire aerospace community - taking up the post of President following the formal announcement at the Society’s AGM this month.

Farnborough Airport to display Richard Cresswell

Aerospace Events

Farnborough Airport to display Richard Cresswell's Spitfire-inspired sculpture

14 May 2026

Farnborough Airport has announced the installation of a striking aviation-inspired sculpture in partnership with The Sculpture Park, Farnham, which will be on display at the Airport from early May through to the beginning of August 2026.

NPAS gains funding for additional helicopters

Aerospace Security

NPAS gains funding for additional helicopters

14 May 2026

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has welcomed confirmation from the UK Minister of State for Policing and Crime that funding has been approved for two additional brand-new police helicopters to complement its National Fleet Replacement Programme (FRP).

K3Metrology secures UKI2S advanced manufacturing support

Aerospace

K3Metrology secures UKI2S advanced manufacturing support

13 May 2026

K3Metrology, a UK spin-out from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), has secured a £2.75 million seed investment led by the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund (UKI2S), to commercialise a new generation of large-scale measurement technology designed to improve efficiency and reduce delays in advanced manufacturing and aerospace.

Advertisement
ODU RT
European air passenger traffic expands +3.8% in March

Aerospace

European air passenger traffic expands +3.8% in March

13 May 2026

European airport trade body ACI EUROPE today released its traffic report for March and the first quarter of 2026.

SMD selects D-RisQ to advance autonomous systems

Aerospace Defence Security

SMD selects D-RisQ to advance autonomous systems

13 May 2026

Malvern based D-RisQ Ltd has been selected by SMD to accelerate development of their autonomy programme.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner