The Stork STM is an autonomous aerial logistics vehicle, capable of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations and carrying payloads weighing 135kg over a 400km distance (the equivalent of flying from Oxford to Paris). This payload capacity has been chosen as it is an optimum weight to resupply an eight-person section for a two-day period.

UASHLC Phase 2 is a joint effort between Defence Equipment & Support’s (DE&S) Future Capability Group and the Royal Navy’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer and 700X Naval Air Squadron. It aims to explore potential use cases for uncrewed technologies to deliver supplies and equipment intra-theatre (ship-to-ship) and inter-theatre (ship-to-shore and vice versa), which would free up crewed assets like helicopters to perform more specialist tasks.

Being able to carry a 135kg payload up to 400km means that Stork STM is unique in meeting the Royal Navy’s requirements for both intra- and inter-theatre resupply tasks.

Animal Dynamics successfully demonstrated the Stork STM’s ability to carry significant payloads over a large distance as part of a pre-selection flying competition that took place last year. Despite strong competition from a number of world-class UAV providers, the Stork STM scored very highly and was awarded a coveted place on the UASHLC.

The Stork STM will now continue to the next round of UASHLC testing, with flight trials planned to take place in Cornwall.

As part of UASHLC, Animal Dynamics will also be marinising the Stork STM by integrating secure satellite communications (SATCOM) that demonstrates the vehicle can be operated anywhere in the world. The Stork STM will also be fitted with a sonobuoy dispenser – showcasing that the UAV’s payload space can be used for a number of mission types – as well as go through additional wing development work that includes a retraction capability making it safe for deck operations.

The Stork STM’s ground-breaking parafoil design overcomes many of the challenges associated with heavy-lift multirotor and hybrid VTOL designs, which are often range limited due to the need for significant power during take-off and landing. And unlike traditional fixed-wing aircraft, the Stork STM can take-off and land in short distances on unprepared ground.

“We are very excited to have won a place in the UASHLC through our performance in the fly-offs against strong competition from established UAV and aerospace companies. Selection by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Royal Navy reflects the fantastic capabilities the Stork STM has to offer, and the strength and experience of the team in terms of engineering, flight ops and certification. We look forward to the next stage of flight trials when we can demonstrate the continuing performance and capability enhancements of the Stork STM and the clear path to commercialisation.” - Adrian Thomas, CEO, Animal Dynamics