STRIX is the first VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) unmanned aerial system (UAS) designed and manufactured in Australia. And the RAZER smart munition will be its main armament.
This UAS is being developed by BAE Systems Australia and Perth-based Innovaero and was unveiled on February 28 during the Avalon Airshow 2023 in Geelong, Australia. Presented as a duo, BAE Systems Australia also unveiled to the public the development of the low-cost RAZER smart munition, which will be used by the STRIX and in other unmanned aerial systems.
The eye-catching STRIX
STRIX is a tandem-wing, multi-domain, multi-role hybrid UAS that can be used for a variety of missions, such as air-to-ground attack against hostile targets and persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). It could also act as a «loyal wingman» for allied military helicopters.
Designed to carry up to 160 kg of payload over 800 km, the STRIX, with a size of 2.6 m x 4.5 m, will be easily transported in a standard container. And thanks to its VTOL capability, the STRIX could be used without relying on an airfield. Its ultra-short takeoff characteristics also position it well for operations from surface vessels.
Work is underway to build the first prototype. The system could enter service by 2026.
STRIX will have the capability to use a variety of munitions, including those currently in service with the Australian Defense Force. It will also make use of a new low-cost precision guided munition, known as RAZER.
RAZER low weight ammunition
RAZER is a low-cost solution designed to transform a standard 40-50 kg unguided ammunition into a precision air-launched weapon.
The RAZER system consists of a wing/body kit and tail unit equipped with a GPS/INS guidance and navigation control system, intended for operations from unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAV) and rotary wing aircraft.
«RAZER can meet urgent local and overseas demand for low cost sovereign munition solutions that could be deployed from the air. It could deliver a powerful and affordable battlefield strike capability for users globally», dijo Ben Hudson, Director General de BAE Systems Australia.
The ability to deploy the RAZER from an airborne platform and glide to the target would dramatically increase the weapon’s range and provide the launch platform with a significant range.
