BAE Systems Unveils Enhanced Autonomous Collaborative Platform at World Defense Show

BAE Systems unveiled a new configuration for its attritable autonomous collaborative platform (ACP) at the World Defense Show in Riyadh on Feb. 4.

The updated design, showcased by the company's FalconWorks business, features a diamond-delta shaped wing with enhanced low-observable features. This marks a departure from the original main-wing and wide V-tail configuration of BAE Systems' Concept 2 system, introduced in 2022.

The redesign, attributed to digital engineering efforts, focuses on optimizing the aircraft's characteristics, encompassing not only low observability but also cost-effectiveness in terms of production and manufacturing. Steve Reeves, the head of business development and strategy for platforms at BAE Systems’ FalconWorks business, told Aerospace DAILY that the goal of developing affordable combat mass as a significant shift in operational approaches.

Comparable in size to a Hawk jet trainer, the Concept 2 is designed to undertake various missions, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and carrying air-to-ground and air-to-air weapons. BAE Systems has funded the development so far, leveraging its extensive experience in uncrewed and autonomous air system demonstrators over nearly three decades.

The timeline for a first flight depends on customer input, with Reeves stating, "We have got a program outline that would take us toward first flight and beyond, but the pace of that will depend on customer investment." Despite BAE Systems' progress, there is substantial competition globally, with similar initiatives underway in Europe, India, South Korea, and the United States.

The UK is finalizing its autonomous collaborative platform strategy, and while Reeves acknowledges its importance for the UK, he believes such a system will have a global appeal. Displaying the Concept 2 at the World Defense Show is seen as an opportunity to showcase capabilities that customers may need for future conflicts.

Highlighting Riyadh's interest in unmanned air system capabilities, Reeves pointed out the significant number of UAS on display at the show. Concept 2 and similar platforms are expected to cost around a tenth of a manned fighter, but costs would increase with the addition of sensors and weapon capabilities.

The airframe lift for these platforms is limited, potentially just a few hundred hours compared to the thousands for crewed fighters.

Reeves emphasized the simplicity of design, with electrical actuators considered more suitable than hydraulic systems for platforms that may spend most of their life in storage containers.