In order to exploit emerging capabilities, evidence was sought that first person video uncrewed air systems can be successfully launched from airborne helicopters, and that operators can successfully achieve and maintain control of the drone throughout a mission representative evolution. To meet this requirement, trials were conceived demonstrating this from a Chinook in a variety of role-representative flight profiles with the drone operator both in the helicopter and on the ground.

The schedule was determined by the intent to demonstrate an operational end-to-end scenario during an overseas exercise in May 2025, with the aim to evolve crewed-uncrewed teaming concepts during a major overseas deployment. This required the development of safe dispatch methods, validation of an effective concept and suitable clearances within an incredibly tight timeline, requiring planning, execution and capability development within a five-month window. Consequently, a team was established based upon members of 744 and the Rotary Wing Test & Evaluation Squadrons who represented Defences’ test and evaluation expertise in unmanned air systems and helicopters respectively.

Such a tight timeline required a novel approach, prioritising rapid innovation, in an agile and adaptable but risk aware manner, accepting the use of risk management and expert judgement in lieu of more traditional and assured methods.

With no prior experience of operating comparable drones from an airborne platform, there was a broad spectrum of considerations required to generate the evidence required for first flight. This included establishing effective and maximum ranges for communication and data feeds necessary to maintain control of the drone, analysis of any electromagnetic compatibility issues that might affect critical systems, and methods to ensure the safe dispatch of the drone given the complex airflow in flight. Human factors assessments were conducted to consider whether the operator could successfully gain and maintain control of the drone onboard a moving platform, drop testing of the drone was conducted to demonstrate the ability to attain controlled flight following dispatch.

A number of significant hurdles were overcome, including issues calibrating the gyroscopes of the drone on the moving Chinook and the airflow inducing reverse flow of the props during dispatch. Throughout, the test team demonstrated exceptional professionalism and diligence, applying pragmatism and innovative thinking to meet timelines. Rarely has there been such anticipation for an impending capability with briefings to the highest levels of defence and a demonstration conducted to the Chief of the Air Staff highlighting this new capability.

The trial safely fulfilled all outcomes and achieved the significant milestone of the first launch and operation of a uncrewed air system from a UK military aircraft, successfully demonstrating the integration of uncrewed and crewed air systems. To do this in such a short period was unprecedented outside of operations, with first flight to successful launch and control of the drone in a range of configurations in just over 10 weeks. In doing so, the test team have worked at pace, demonstrating perseverance and dedication in overcoming failures and making an exceptional contribution to Defence capability, and the combined team is accordingly awarded the Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown Memorial Trophy.

2018   Roger "Dodge" Bailey

2019   Test Pilots of the F-35 Integrated Test Force, Nathan J Gray, Lt Cdr Peter Wilson, Sqn Ldr Andrew Edgell, Maj Michael Lippert USMC

2020   Ben Lewis

2021   Captain Richard Dane OBE

2022  James Kromberg

2023  not awarded

2024  AH-64E Combined Flight Test Team