Innovaero announces partnership with BAE Systems Australia for design, development and launch of the STRIX hybrid propulsion Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) platform

POSTED ON February 28, 2023

Key points:

• STRIX is an entirely new UAS concept and a significant Australian innovation, the product of close collaboration between local aerospace SME Innovaero and Australia’s largest Defence prime, BAE Systems Australia. An outstanding example of what Australian sovereign industry can conceive and execute through collaboration.
• The UAS has emerged as a critical Defence capability of the future. STRIX is a stride forward into the next generation of autonomous hybrid VTOL multi-role UAS delivering sustainable superiority on the battlefield, while keeping military personnel safer.

Innovaero Pty Ltd is pleased to confirm its strategic partnership with BAE Systems Australia for the design, development and launch of the STRIX Uncrewed Aerial System at Avalon 2023. This is the first collaborative venture for both companies in the Australian marketplace on emerging UAS capabilities for the Defence sector.

STRIX is a significant Australian innovation, with Innovaero and BAE Systems Australia combining to design an entirely new concept.

STRIX is a hybrid tandem wing, multi-domain and multi-role UAS capability.  The STRIX uncrewed air system, of which a prototype is already in development, could be used for a variety of missions including air to ground strike against hostile targets and persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). It could also act as a ‘loyal wingman’ for military helicopters.

Perth-based Innovaero is a 100% Australian-owned aeronautical product design, certification, and manufacturing company, with a track record of delivering successful outcomes for clients in Australia. Its team of world-class aeronautical specialists is globally recognised for its innovation, including its world leading aerial camera array solutions.

Innovaero Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Grosser said the design and development of STRIX demonstrated the company’s capabilities for the Defence sector. 

“To witness the capability STRIX will provide to Defence, through partnering with BAE Systems Australia, is very exciting. STRIX has the potential payload capacity, range, speed, and advanced autonomy to provide real differential over current market offerings.” Mr Grosser said. 

Innovaero founder Mike von Bertouch said the company had cultivated an impressive talent pool over the past decade.  “Developing a stand-out design team takes time, commitment, action and continuous refinement, something Innovaero pursues with absolute determination,” Mr von Bertouch said.

“We bring an agile, innovative, and professional capability and we see significant opportunities working together.  Working with BAE Systems Australia will enable us to draw on the strengths of both parties to bring Australian ingenuity to meet customer needs and respond quickly to a rapidly changing strategic defence environment.

BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Officer Ben Hudson paid tribute to the team at Innovaero for the work delivered to date on the STRIX model and prototype.

“Innovaero is an amazing team of passionate Australians specialising in novel airborne systems,” Mr Hudson said. “STRIX is a real testament to the culture that Mike has developed at Innovaero.”