A LANCASHIRE aerospace giant has snapped up a leading light in the drone industry with 'heavy lift' credentials.

Staff at Berkshire-based Malloy Aeronautics are behind all-electric uncrewed crafts capable of transporting payloads of up to 300kg during short and medium-range missions.

Now BAE Systems, which has expansive aerospace operations at Samlesbury and Warton, has bought out the 80-strong company after working closely with their engineer since 2021.

Bosses at BAE say the firm will continue to work from their current home, as they continue to develop platforms offering interchangeable capabilities and greater flexibility at a fraction of the cost and time of more traditional methods.

Simon Barnes, group managing director 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 the synergy between our two companies will pave the way for even greater achievements in uncrewed aerial systems and technologies.”

Oriol Badia, Malloy's chief operating officer, added: “We’ve come a long way over the last 10 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.”

BAE and Malloy engineers have been working on the 300kg T-650 all-electric ‘heavy lift’ craft to deliver cost-effective and sustainable rapid response capability to military, security and civilian customers.

Last year, the firms rolled out demo of a 200kg inert Sting Ray Training Variant Torpedo using a T-600 demonstrator aircraft during a large NATO exercise.

Under BAE, Malloy will be part of FalconWorks, their air sector research and development business.

Dave Holmes, FalconWorks managing director, said: “Malloy’s expertise and innovation in quadcopters and sustainable air vehicles is an exciting addition to our FalconWorks family.

"This acquisition supports our commitment to increase our portfolio of products, offering new and existing customers the cutting-edge solutions they need.”