Certo Aerospace Limited, a company co-founded by Bear Grylls OBE, announced today that it has commenced free-flight testing of its Capstone Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) UAS near its headquarters in Frome UK, after receiving authorisation last week from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for operations in UK airspace.

Following a year-long ground test programme, the flight test programme will now progress to prove Capstone's performance and flight envelope in a range of tests and climatic conditions. Initial tasks will be conducted within direct line of sight over land, demonstrating Capstone's autonomous functionality, and the integration of smart systems and payloads. Ship-Air integration testing will also be conducted, initially on land and then offshore. These will be followed by capability assessments for various military, government, and commercial use-cases, including long-range disaster relief and shore-to-ship logistics.

The 600kg (maximum take-off weight) Capstone is the largest VTOL co-axial rotarywing UAS to receive such authorisation in the UK to date. Its high performance co-axial rotors, compact gearbox, certified engine, and rugged fuselage all combine to mean a better payload and range, all with low maintenance requirements. Advanced flight management and flight control systems now in tests can enable precise navigation and safe control of Capstone during all phases of flight.

Justin Tooth, Managing Director of Certo Aerospace said “Following the award of our Operational Authorisation last week from the CAA, it is wonderful to fly our new uncrewed helicopter in the West Country skies. Thanks to our dynamic coaxial rotor head Capstone UAV handles perfectly and we shall soon be flying again at over 500kg take-off weight and for flights of well over an hour.”

Bear Grylls OBE, co-founder of Certo Aerospace Ltd. said “This is a huge step forward in the development of this innovative British aircraft. Today marks the start of demonstrating Capstone's incredible potential to a whole range of VTOL applications, including the military, other essential national services and in all sorts of commercial uses, both here and abroad.”