BAE Systems Corax

Lore & Background

The development of Corax took place during the early-to-mid 2000s, funded by the Ministry of Defence. It performed its first flight during 2004, and at least one test flight involved a fully autonomous mission, including computer-controlled takeoff and landing. Following successful flight tests, BAE Systems received a follow-on contract to investigate UAV safety. The existence of Corax was revealed to the public in December 2005.

Corax has been described as a highly survivable strategic UAV platform. Its configuration includes a single shrouded above-fuselage jet engine and an extended wing with flight control surfaces. It lacks a conventional tail, which increased aerodynamic performance but made control more challenging. BAE Systems stated that the flight control systems were flexible and modular.

The aircraft's exterior surfaces were speculated to be shaped to evade radar detection by reflecting radar away from its source. Aviation author Bill Sweetman noted that Corax resembles larger aerial surveillance aircraft and appeared designed for high-altitude, relatively slow flight. Unlike the BAE Systems HERTI UAV, which was marketed for both civil and military opportunities, Corax was intended specifically for defence purposes.

Reader's Guide

The Corax represents a significant step in British UAV development, demonstrating autonomous flight capabilities and stealth-oriented design in the early 2000s. Its fully autonomous mission, including computer-controlled takeoff and landing, highlighted advances in unmanned systems. The aircraft's lack of a conventional tail and its speculated radar-evading shaping indicate an emphasis on survivability and low observability, characteristics that align with strategic reconnaissance roles. The project's funding by the Ministry of Defence and the follow-on contract for UAV safety research underscore its role in informing later defence programs. Corax has been reportedly superseded by the BAE Systems Taranis unmanned combat aerial vehicle, suggesting that lessons from Corax contributed to the development of a more advanced UCAV. Its existence was kept confidential until late 2005, reflecting the sensitive nature of such strategic UAV technology.

Did You Know?

• Corax is Latin for raven, and the UAV is also known as Raven.
• At least one test flight involved a fully autonomous mission with computer-controlled takeoff and landing.
• Corax was specifically intended for defence purposes, unlike the BAE Systems HERTI UAV which was marketed for civil and military opportunities.