At the unveiling, an animation of the proposed aircraft showed STRIX being rolled out of a shipping container, its wings unfolding, then lifting itself vertically and taking off, making it runway independent.
STRIX will carry a 160-kilogram payload for over 800 kilometres or loiter for about five hours, depending on the payload's weight. The UAV could be used for air-to-ground strikes, reconnaissance, surveillance, and acting as a "loyal wingman" for crewed helicopters.
The project will be funded by internal R&D dollars and will help the Australian government boost its domestic defence industry.
Two precision-guided bombs outfitted with a kit called RAZER, also designed and manufactured in Australia by BAE Systems, hung from the mockup. According to a statement, the kit can convert 40-to-50-kilogram bombs into precision weapons that can glide toward targets. The kit was created in collaboration with Australia's Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise.
