Certo Aerospace Limited, a company co-founded by Bear Grylls OBE, announced today that it has received authorisation from the UK’s CAA for operations in the ‘Specific Category’ in UK airspace and will shortly commence flight testing of the Capstone Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) Uncrewed Air System (UAS) near its headquarters in Frome.

The 600kg / 1320lb (maximum take-off weight) Capstone, the largest VTOL co-axial rotary wing UAS to receive such authorisation in the UK to date, is being designed in accordance with CAA initial airworthiness requirements for Very Light Rotorcraft. Its high performance co-axial rotors, compact gearbox, proven engine, and rugged composite fuselage all combine to mean a better payload, range but 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, including automatic take-off and landing.

The year-long ground test programme will now progress into a series of flying trials to prove Capstone's flight envelope in a range of tasks and climatic conditions. Initial operations will be conducted within direct line of sight over land, demonstrating multiple autonomous functions, including the integration of smart payload systems. 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 disaster relief and ship-to-shore logistics.

Justin Tooth, Managing Director of Certo Aerospace Ltd. said “Barely a day goes past without the newspapers calling on their front pages for more efficient spending into defence generally and into drones in particular. Using large drones to replace crewed helicopters will save lives, save money and save time in mission-critical situations. The novel design and engineering of this new Capstone aircraft combine to enhance its aerodynamic and operational characteristics. This will set Capstone apart from the standard designs of large drones now in development, translating to not only greater operational effectiveness but also lower costs for operators.”

Bear Grylls OBE, co-founder of Certo Aerospace Ltd. said “This is an exciting milestone in the development of this entirely new larger scale of drone. Today’s Operational Authorisation from the CAA means that Certo can now start to demonstrate Capstone's amazing flying characteristics and potential uses to a wide range of customers from the UK and overseas.”