The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) is backing the development of a new form of individual air mobility that could allow British troops to reach hostile or difficult-to-access areas without conventional aviation infrastructure.
The capability has been developed by Wiltshire-based start-up Blakcro, which has received approximately £6 million in MOD funding. Its powered paraglider systems are designed to be carried as compact equipment and deployed directly by individual operators.
The system can be packed into a container roughly the size of a large rucksack and prepared for flight in less than eight minutes, including in darkness. Once assembled, the operator launches the paraglider on foot, using the onboard engine to provide propulsion rather than requiring an aircraft, helicopter or runway.
According to the company, the platform can cover distances of up to 200 miles (322 kilometres) under its own power. Its design incorporates a UK-made titanium airframe and provides capacity for military equipment including body armour, night-vision devices and weapon mounts.
Low-Signature insertion capability
The system is also intended to reduce the likelihood of detection during insertion. Its low acoustic, visual and radar signatures are designed to make it less conspicuous than conventional airborne deployment methods.
The Royal Marines and the Parachute Regiment are expected to begin trials of the technology in the coming months. Blakcro says the technology is already operationally deployed, with contracts in place in the UK and with NATO allies.
The programme is being supported through UK Defence Innovation (UKDI), the MOD’s entry point for companies without an established defence background. Blakcro initially entered the programme through an Open Call for Innovation and has subsequently received support for two additional projects.
Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said:
“With UK Defence Innovation supporting SMEs like Blakcro from the drawing board through to deployment, 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. 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.”
The programme has also contributed to Blakcro’s expansion. The company has grown from three employees to 11 and now holds three prime contracts involving the UK and NATO allies.
“From a UKDI success story perspective, we have very rapidly moved from base technology in 2024, through UKDI-supported rapid innovation, through to purchase, through to operational use by 2026. We could not have done that at this pace without the support we have received – not just the funding, but the commercialisation support and the access to the right people. UKDI kept telling us we were special. I think it’s mutual.”, Blakcro founder and CEO Sam Wedgwood stated.