Navy ships may soon receive crucial stores without having to launch a helicopter or come off task, thanks to an innovative drone delivery system tested during Exercise Talisman Sabre 25.
The remotely piloted aircraft system can carry up to a 25kg underslung payload with a maximum 40-minute flight time and a maximum 15km operating range.
The Callisto 50 logistics drone - designed and built by Australian company FreeSpace Operations - was put through its paces by personnel from Navy Minor Project 1983.
Project lead Commander Andrew Watson said the concept behind uncrewed logistics systems was to relieve crewed systems, such as helicopters, from activities to allow crews to rest and increase availability of those high-value assets.
"Uncrewed systems are cheaper to operate and can do so in a greater range of RADHAZ [radiation hazards] and sea states that crewed systems may be restricted from," Commander Watson said.
"They don't require a ship to change course to recover the vehicle like it might with a helicopter, so it'll be an effective bit of kit if we can get to that stage."
The system weighs around 25kg and can be piloted remotely or use maritime remote beacons on board ships to navigate automatically.
Last year, the project conducted the first ship-to-ship fully automated vertical replenishment between HMAS Canberra and an LHD Landing Craft while underway using remote beacons.
"It's definitely a first in Australia, for the fully automated process, and there are suggestions it's the first time it's been done in the world," Commander Watson said.
The uncrewed logistics concept was proved during a full mission run at Freshwater Beach on July 25.
'It confirms our proof of concept and makes way for systems that will carry more and go greater distances.'
HMAS Choules, operating off Shoalwater Bay, requested the delivery of a repair part, which could not be obtained through traditional logistic means.
The part was reverse engineered, modelled and 3D-printed using the Deployable Additive Manufacture and Repair unit in Gladstone.
The team set up on the sand at Freshwater Beach, and after establishing communications and confirming the route, Choules activated their maritime remote beacons to guide the drone to its target.
Given that Choules was conducting amphibious operations, the drone had a limited corridor of movement to prevent breaching safety zones.
The drone took off with its 6kg payload and traversed the 6.5km out to sea in just over eight minutes, taking up a loitering position behind Choules.
On the operator's command, the drone touched the payload on deck, automatically released the payload and then navigated back to shore.
From setup to return, the mission took less than an hour.
Commander Watson said it was a credit to the team that the activity came off flawlessly.
"It's a significant step for Navy and the use of uncrewed systems in the maritime logistic space," he said.
"It confirms our proof of concept and makes way for systems that will carry more and go greater distances. Our next iteration will be the Callisto 75 with a 3.5-hour endurance and a range of over 40km."
