【軍武新知】PteroDynamics 自主垂直起降無人機展示予澳洲皇家海軍

圖片來源：PteroDynamics

美國無人機開發商 PteroDynamics 聯同 Babcock 公司，近期在澳洲新南威爾士州的 Beecroft 武器試驗場，成功向 澳洲皇家海軍（RAN） 展示其最新的 P4 Transwing 自主垂直起降（VTOL）無人航空系統。

展示過程中，P4 Transwing 進行多次飛行演示，凸顯其高速飛行與快速爬升能力。兩架無人機亦接受了多項測試，包括航程、跨海域操作，以及在狹小區域內起降、運輸與回收不同貨物的能力。

PteroDynamics 工程副總裁 Tim Whitehand 指出，隨著全球戰略重心轉向印太地區，澳洲與澳洲皇家海軍扮演關鍵角色。他補充說，自 2019 年起，公司已與美國海軍合作，推動「即時海上補給與維修物資運輸」的自動化。該機型在 2024 年夏季的「環太平洋軍演（RIMPAC）」中成功完成海試，證明能無縫融入艦隊作業。

P4 Transwing 的設計可在高風險海上環境中，進行「岸對艦、艦對艦、艦對岸」等長程運輸，特別適合關鍵零部件與急需物資補給。PteroDynamics 與 Babcock 已於 2024 年 11 月簽署合作備忘錄，將攜手在澳洲與紐西蘭尋求國防與民用無人機領域的合約機會。

P5 原型機正開發中

此次對澳洲皇家海軍的展示，也緊隨 PteroDynamics 擴大與 美國海軍航空戰中心（NAWCAD） 的「藍海後勤無人機計畫」合作。公司正研製新一代 P5 Transwing 原型機，最大起飛重量可達 330 磅，續航距離超過 400 海浬，並能攜帶 50 磅載荷，同時提升抗候性，能應對多變的海上作戰環境。

Whitehand 表示，P5 是重要的技術飛躍，具備更大體積與更強性能，將成為國防與商業領域的理想選擇。Babcock 澳洲航空與關鍵服務部董事總經理 Duncan Milne 亦指出，全球對自主 VTOL 無人機需求不斷上升，Babcock 將持續深化與 PteroDynamics 的合作，並與潛在客戶探討如何藉由 Transwing 與其他無人機技術，補強現有國防與產業能力。

PteroDynamics’ Autonomous VTOL UAS Demonstrated to the Royal Australian Navy

U.S. drone developer PteroDynamics, in partnership with Babcock, successfully showcased its latest P4 Transwing® autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial system to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) at the Beecroft Weapons Range in New South Wales.

During the demonstration, the P4 Transwing carried out multiple flight displays, highlighting its high-speed passes and rapid climb performance. Two aircraft were tested across various operational scenarios, including range, over-water capability, and the ability to launch, transport, and recover payloads in confined areas.

Tim Whitehand, PteroDynamics’ Vice President of Engineering, emphasized that as global strategic focus shifts to the Indo-Pacific, Australia and the RAN play a crucial role. He noted that since 2019, the company has collaborated with the U.S. Navy to automate “just-in-time” maritime delivery of critical repair cargo. The successful sea trials during RIMPAC 2024 demonstrated the Transwing’s seamless integration into fleet operations.

Designed for contested maritime environments, the P4 Transwing can perform long-range shore-to-ship, ship-to-ship, and ship-to-shore deliveries of critical supplies.

PteroDynamics and Babcock signed a memorandum of understanding in November 2024, confirming their cooperation to pursue both defense and civil UAS opportunities in Australia and New Zealand.

P5 Prototype in Development

The RAN demonstration follows PteroDynamics’ expanded cooperation with the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) under the Blue Water Logistics UAS program. As part of this initiative, the company is developing the P5 Transwing prototype, with a maximum take-off weight of 330 pounds, a range exceeding 400 nautical miles, and a payload capacity of 50 pounds. The aircraft will also feature enhanced durability to withstand diverse maritime conditions.

Whitehand described the P5 as a significant leap forward, noting its larger size and stronger performance make it an ideal solution for both defense and commercial operators.

Duncan Milne, Managing Director of Aviation & Critical Services at Babcock Australasia, added that global demand for autonomous VTOL UAS platforms is rapidly increasing. He expressed confidence in continuing Babcock’s strategic partnership with PteroDynamics, engaging with potential customers on how the Transwing and other UAS technologies could enhance and complement existing defense and industrial capabilities.