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
Gulfstream banner
ADS reveals 13-year high for Q1 aircraft orders

Aerospace

ADS reveals 13-year high for Q1 aircraft orders

29 April 2026

According to trade association ADS, commercial aircraft orders rose 9% during the first quarter of 2026 compared to this period last year, reaching 569 orders and marking the highest order number for any Q1 since 2013, largely driven by a 25% increase in single-aisle aircraft orders, indicating that demand for short-haul travel continues to grow.

Regional & City Airports reports strong passenger growth

Aerospace

Regional & City Airports reports strong passenger growth

28 April 2026

Regional & City Airports (RCA) has reported a strong full-year performance across its UK portfolio, with total passenger numbers rising by 23% year-on-year to more than 2.43 million in the 12 months to 31st March 2026.

World’s first pilot facility converts non-recyclable waste plastic to SAF

Aerospace

World’s first pilot facility converts non-recyclable waste plastic to SAF

28 April 2026

A major breakthrough in tackling both waste plastic and aviation emissions has been marked with the opening of the world’s first waste plastics to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) pilot facility.

Smiths Detection’s SDX 10080 SCT achieves ECAC EDS Standard 3.1

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection’s SDX 10080 SCT achieves ECAC EDS Standard 3.1

28 April 2026

Smiths Detection today announced that its SDX 10080 SCT has received ECAC EDS Standard 3.1 approval for hold baggage and air cargo screening - one of the most rigorous aviation security certifications, recognised across 44 ECAC member states spanning Europe and beyond.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Glasgow Airport hosts emergency training exercise

Aerospace Security

Glasgow Airport hosts emergency training exercise

28 April 2026

Glasgow Airport successfully hosted a multiagency emergency training exercise on Thursday 23rd April, carried out between 7.30pm and 11.30pm, as part of its ongoing commitment to safety, resilience and emergency preparedness.

Aurrigo appoints Mark Gower as Director of Global Airport Operations

Aerospace

Aurrigo appoints Mark Gower as Director of Global Airport Operations

28 April 2026

Aurrigo International, provider of autonomy software, fully autonomous vehicles and mobile robotics platforms, has made the high-profile appointment of Mark Gower in the newly created (non-board) role of Director of Global Airport Operations.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner