Dstl rolls out LANCA concept
The UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has released details of a new unmanned combat aircraft concept in development for the Royal Air Force.
The Lightweight Affordable Novel Combat Aircraft (LANCA) concept looks to offer additional protection, survivability and information for manned combat aircraft.
A technology demonstrator project known as ‘Mosquito’ has awarded contracts for Phase 1 of the work, which will produce a preliminary system design for a UAS and assessment of the key risk areas. Initial flight test of the demonstrator air vehicle are currently slated for 2022.
Phase 1 will include the exploration of novel design, development, prototyping, manufacture and support, to enable low-cost rapid development and evolution of a potential future unmanned combat air system. Dstl will deliver the technical oversight, project management and partnering for Project Mosquito.
Phase 1 contracts have been awarded to three teams led by Blue Bear Systems Research, Boeing Defence, and Callen-Lenz (Team BLACKDAWN partnered with Bombardier Belfast and Northrop Grumman).
LANCA aims to explore the utility and feasibility of unmanned capability adjuncts to existing and future fast jet aircraft, specifically those that offer substantial reductions in traditional cost and development timelines.
After the 12-month Phase 1, Project Mosquito’s Phase 2 will select up to two of the Phase 1 solutions to further mature the designs, complete manufacturing of the technology demonstrator and conclude with a limited flight-test programme.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system]()
Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system
Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
