British soldiers test drone flight capabilities

Above: Lance Corporal Harry Hopes of 13th Air Assault Support Regiment, Royal Logistics Corps (RLC), observed a drone on the Fingeringhoe Ranges using the newly issued SmartShooter SMASH (Smart Weapon Sight Fire Control System) to test artificial intelligence (AI).
Courtesy of the British Army


Soldiers' piloting skills are put to the test as the British Army works to fly “kamikaze drones” on one-way missions to find and attack targets.

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Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) with first person view (FPV) enable precise strike capabilities on the battlefield and are used with great success by the Ukrainian armed forces.

FPV UAS are flown using a virtual reality headset and carry small explosive charges. Their maneuverability allows them to strike above their weight class, for example flying through an open hatch to destroy an armored vehicle by detonating an explosion inside.

As part of Project Lewes – the Army's extensive work to integrate new technologies and capabilities into its existing forces to improve lethality – troops are being trained to fly FPV UAS as the use of the technology continues to evolve.

The 16th Air Assault Brigade held a selection session at Merville Barracks in Colchester to identify soldiers from among its existing UAS pilots who would be suitable to join the jHub Drone Academy and further develop their skills.

The jHub is part of Strategic Command and aims to increase the military's capabilities faster and better than our adversaries by adopting innovative technologies. In partnership with the Army's Combat Maneuver Centre, the Drone Academy project has developed and delivered a distributed training solution for FPV flights for all three services.

Currently, infantry units are being equipped with the Parrot and Black Hornet UAS to be used for reconnaissance. Soldiers complete a three-week course to qualify as pilots. FPV drones do not have the GPS and stabilization software that traditional drones have, and are therefore more difficult to fly. However, this makes them less susceptible to interference and more resilient on the battlefield.

Sergeant Adam Barnes, the lead UAS operator in 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA), said: “Although more difficult to operate, an FPV UAS is a much simpler, more adaptable and cheaper device. With an experienced pilot and the right UAS, you can use it to engage targets and conduct reconnaissance.

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“An infantry unit equipped with FPV UAS can fly them to attack targets that would otherwise require mortars, artillery or an airstrike. This shortens the kill chain and gives a commander more options, resulting in more efficient use of resources.”

FPV UAS have their origins in drone racing. The training, conducted by commercial partner Point Zenith, provides soldiers with an FPV UAS and obstacles for flight practice, as well as a laptop with a sophisticated racing simulator.

The 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment has founded a drone racing club to encourage its soldiers' interest in this pursuit.

“This is a military skill that we can develop through a competitive hobby,” said Sgt. Barnes. “Learning to fly FPV drones is the hard part, and then using those skills tactically is just another skill to learn.”

Among those taking part in the programme was Lance Corporal Morgan McConnell from the 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment. During a recent training session in Estonia, he piloted Parrot drones on reconnaissance flights during a trench clearing operation using live ammunition, while enemy drones hovered overhead to scout the paratroopers' actions. He said: “Flying drones is something I enjoy and has been a very special skill to learn. The Parrot is basically an autopilot and you can fly it reasonably safely within a few hours. FPV requires a lot more effort and skill because you have full control of it and it will take some time to get to the point where you can fly it instinctively.

“I'm looking forward to the challenge and it's interesting to work on an evolving technology, especially when it comes to incorporating ammunition into our work.”

As the British Army's highest readiness formation, 16th Air Asslt Bde is at the forefront of UAS and counter-UAS operations. It is the first to be equipped with the SMASH sight, which mounts on the standard SA80 A3 assault rifle and uses image processing software to help soldiers shoot down UAS.

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