The Royal Australian Navy has marked a significant milestone in maritime innovation with the successful first-of-class trials of the Edge 130 tri-copter drone on HMAS Cape Pillar.
Conducted throughout September in Darwin Harbour and surrounding littoral zones, the trials represent a leap forward in the operational capability of minor war vessels.
Weighing just 1.2 kilograms, the Edge 130 drone offers unmatched agility and endurance. Capable of beyond visual line-of-sight operations, its modular design supports a range of optics and sensors. Its lightweight lithium-ion batteries can be swapped in seconds, minimising downtime and maximising patrol efficiency.
Commanding Officer Cape Pillar Lieutenant Commander Ben Couch led the integration effort, supported by drone pilots Petty Officer Russel 'Rusty' Lamont and Able Seaman Janu Phillips.
The trials began with remote pilot training and onboard materiel integration, followed by the development of standard operating procedures and rigorous alongside testing at HMAS Coonawarra.
The uncrewed systems proved their worth during underway trials in Darwin Harbour, supported by naval aviation experts from the Maritime Warfare Centre. Flying under Flag Foxtrot, meaning Cape Pillar is operating fixed-wing aircraft, the drones conducted successful sorties over complex terrain, including mangroves and shallow waters where traditional patrol methods pose risks to personnel and vessels.
The trials culminated in a dramatic aerial photoshoot near Charles Point, showcasing the drone's stability and imaging capability in offshore conditions. One standout image captured a line abreast formation of HMA Ships Cape Pillar, Albany and Cape Woolamai - a testament to the drone's operational value.
"The Edge 130 drones allow us to exploit the air domain in ways previously unavailable to minor war vessels," Lieutenant Commander Couch said.
"This capability enhances our ability to patrol Australia's northern approaches with greater safety, speed and precision."
The successful integration of the Edge 130 drones sets a new benchmark for uncrewed systems in the Navy and lays the foundation for future drone operations across the fleet.
Since their introduction into service, the uncrewed aerial systems have been deployed on board Cape Pillar to support Joint Task Force 639, clearing dense mangroves of illegal fishing incursions.
