Could British troops take flight without any runway or aircraft assisting them? A British start-up is exploring that idea.
England-based Blakcro is introducing the UK’s first-ever foot-launched military paraglider that could independently launch soldiers.
The system fits in a rucksack-sized setup and can be assembled in under 8 minutes even in complete darkness, with the UK saying the paraglider has a 200-mile (322-kilometer) range on its own power.
Blakcro said the glider has a low acoustic, visual, and radar signature, indicating soldiers can use it for covert missions into hostile territory.
Built around a UK-made titanium airframe, it also supports body armor, night vision equipment, and a variety of weapon mounts.
The Royal Marines and Parachute Regiment are scheduling integration trials in the coming months, while the UK said the glider is already in operational use, with contracts held across the UK and with NATO allies.
Government Support
Blakcro’s paraglider technology is backed by a 6-million pound ($8.1-million) investment from the UK’s Ministry of Defence.
It is also supported by the UK’s Defence Innovation organization, an agency responsible for working with companies with no prior defense experience.
Blakcro is under contract to deliver the gliders until 2027.
“We are building a more resilient, homegrown defence supply chain and ensuring our armed forces receive the pioneering equipment that can give them the edge on the battlefield,” said Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry.
“Defence has a new way of working with industry, backing British innovation to deliver cutting-edge capability for our armed forces and good jobs in regions like Wiltshire.”
