Injured UK troops could be airlifted to safety thanks to new ‘first-of-its-kind’ drone | UK | News
HYDRA-400 took off for the first time (Image: Hydra Drones Limited)
Wounded British troops have been taken to safety from the front line thanks to a new drone – the first of its kind to complete its maiden flight. The next-generation ultra-heavy-lift drone, HYDRA-400, is marketed as a low-cost alternative to helicopters and can be used in a variety of roles in both the military and civilian worlds.
The British-made uncrewed aircraft, which can be transported on the back of a flatbed truck, can lift up to 400 kilograms, meaning it can easily transport wounded soldiers or be equipped with missiles. Hampshire-based manufacturer Hybrid Drones believes the lift capacity of the HYDRA-400 is greater than any other uncrewed aircraft in the world. This vehicle, which can be assembled and ready for flight in a few minutes, has already attracted the attention of the British Army, and discussions are also being held with many NATO partners.
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Tom O’Connor, former Army aircraft engineer and General Manager of Hybrid Drones, said HYDRA is designed to perform a variety of missions, but rescuing stranded soldiers is particularly important.
“To pull someone off the field and help them, which is their only way out, without risking other lives by using alternative platforms, that’s a challenge we want to take on,” he told the Express.
There have been recent examples of wounded Ukrainian soldiers being rescued from the battlefield by ground drones.
Wounded troops can be transported to a safe place with the new drone (Image: Hydra Drones Limited)
With technology playing a pivotal role in the war in Ukraine, the UK is increasingly focusing on improving its crewless capabilities.
Troops rescued by HYDRA-400 will be placed in a ‘casualty evacuation pod’ equipped with everything you’d expect to find in an ambulance, including ventilation and drip.
The pod has ballistic protection, meaning personnel can be protected from further harm while being airlifted to safety.
“Our devices, such as patient monitors, ventilators, oxygen systems, blood warmers and infusion pumps, can be integrated into drones so that basic care can begin as soon as an injured person is reached,” said Cleve Wiltz of ZOLL Medical, who helped design the kit.
Currently, the wounded soldier will need to enter the capsule himself or with the help of a comrade, but there are also plans to do this completely without a crew.
The evacuation pod contains a lot of medical equipment (Image: Hydra Drones Limited)
It is hoped that an electronic arm could attach a winch hook cable to the casualty and drag them into the bay before evacuating them for further medical treatment.
Built by a small team of British engineers, the HYDRA-400 has anti-jamming capabilities and can fly fully electric or hybrid using two, four or six jets.
Rescuing a soldier would only need electrical power, making the drone quieter.
It is seen as a much cheaper option than existing defense helicopters that can perform similar missions.
Based on figures from the 2018/19 financial year, the hourly running cost of the HYDRA-400 is £1,080, compared to £3,451 for the Apache and £4,033 for the Wildcat.
The first prototype was produced in less than three months, following an investment of around £1 million over a six-year period.
Chief engineer Alfie Lockrey said the drone performed “exactly as we hoped” in initial flight tests in southern England.
It is expected to undergo further trials in the coming months, including a first test firing in March.
The UAV was designed to provide fire support on the battlefield and was billed as ‘an Apache gunship in the boot of a soldier’s car’.
The first flight of HYDRA 400 was held in the hangar (Image: Hydra Drones Limited)
There were hopes that he could fly as a loyal wingman alongside the army’s Apache squadron, but he was not shortlisted by the Ministry of Defense (MoD).
Its expected maximum range of 43.5 miles, combined with its airlift capacity, means it is also suitable for transporting ammunition and supplies on the front lines.
Additionally, it is also being put forward for non-defense roles, including firefighting, maritime logistics and disaster response.
It is hoped that the aircraft will be able to drop fire retardant on forest fires and high-rise buildings, remove debris in crises such as earthquakes, and reach hard-to-reach areas that conventional aircraft and equipment cannot reach.
A mountain rescue role, meaning autonomous flying to get people to safety, is another potential option.
Hybrid Drones received support from MBDA, one of Europe’s largest defense projects.
The firm now plans to raise a further £4 million for further testing and development of HYDRA-400.
