BAE Systems Taranis
| Taranis | |
|---|---|
| Artist impression on the BAE Taranis | |
| General information | |
| Type | Autonomous UCAV |
| Manufacturer | BAE Systems Military Air & Information |
| Status | In development |
| Primary user | United Kingdom |
| Number built | 1 |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 2010-present |
| First flight | 10 August 2013 |
The BAE Systems Taranis is a British demonstrator programme for unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) technology, under development primarily by the defence contractor BAE Systems Military Air & Information. The aircraft, which is named after the Celtic god of thunder Taranis, first flew in 2013. An unmanned warplane, the Taranis is designed to fly intercontinental missions, and would carry a variety of weapons, enabling it to attack both aerial and ground targets. It uses stealth technology, giving it a low radar profile, and is controllable via satellite link from anywhere on Earth.