The UK intends to fly its Mantis long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle advanced concept technology demonstrator in early 2009.

The Defense Ministry and BAE Systems are jointly funding the Mantis program, formally unveiled at the Farnborough Air Show July 14.

The program will look at technologies applicable to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) along with strike roles. The mockup of the twin-engine Mantis was shown carrying four Raytheon Paveway IV dual mode guided-bombs and six Brimstone missiles on two three-round launchers. Sensor fit options include synthetic aperture radar and electro-optical packages as well as signals and electronic intelligence payloads.

Air Vice-Marshal Simon Bollom, the Defense Ministry's director general, combat air, said the Mantis is "the type of platform with which we can experiment." Phase 1 of the Mantis program will culminate in tests flights of prototype, and trials of the associated ground systems. As of yet neither the Defense Ministry nor industry is publicly willing to discuss what follow-on phases of the Mantis technology demonstrator would entail.

Mark Kane, BAE Systems managing director of autonomous systems and future capabilities, said "Team Mantis builds on the successful model we had for the Taranis (UCAV) demonstrator... Mantis builds on what we've done on some of our other UAVs."

Other companies involved include Rolls-Royce, Qinetiq, GE Aviation, Selex Galileo and Meggit.

The Royal Air Force is already operating the General Atomics Reaper in combat operations in Afghanistan, and intends to acquire more UAVs in this class. The Mantis demonstrator could lead to the development of a national UAV capability to address such requirements.