BAE Systems acquires Maidenhead drone specialists Malloy Aeronautics
Hampshire’s BAE Systems has acquired Malloy Aeronautics, a leading company in innovative heavy lift drone and aeronautical technologies.
Based in Maidenhead, Malloy employs around 80 staff and supplies all-electric uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to both civil and military customers, offering greater flexibility than traditional platforms at a fraction of the cost.
Its quadcopters are capable of lifting payloads from 68kg to 300kg over short to medium ranges.
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Malloy COO Oriol Badia said: “We’ve come a long way over the last ten years, turning our vision of sustainable electric heavy lift technology into reality thanks to the dedication and efforts of our team.
“This new step in our journey with BAE Systems will allow us to combine the strengths and vision of a young company with the reach and support of an experienced one, ultimately giving our customers the ability to scale their demands and allow us to deliver innovative new products – including the T-650 – at pace.”
The two firms have been working together since 2021 to develop a 300kg T-650 all-electric heavy lift UAS, which would deliver cost-effective, sustainable rapid response capability to military, security and civilian customers.
And last year they announced the successful demonstration of a T-600 electric uncrewed demonstrator aircraft during a major NATO exercise.
Simon Barnes, group MD of BAE Systems’ air sector, said: “Our acquisition of Malloy Aeronautics is part of our ongoing strategy to develop and invest in breakthrough technologies which augment our existing capabilities and provide our customers with the innovation they need in response to evolving requirements.
“We’re confident that the synergy between our two companies will pave the way for even greater achievements in uncrewed aerial systems and technologies.”
Moving forward, Malloy will be part of FalconWorks, the R&D business within BAE System’s air sector.
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