
The UK Ministry of Defence is seeking market input for a new rapid-launch drone system under Project VOLLEY, intending to field multiple mobile launchers capable of deploying 5 drones in under four minutes with each drone launched at one-minute intervals.Described in a recently published Prior Information Notice, the MOD specifies the requirement is for the quick introducing of several fixed-wing Uncrewed Air Vehicles (UAV), from a single launcher, including set-up, shooting and healing time.The launcher must have the ability to go for least 5 referral UAVs within 4 minutes of the first UAV launch and recover within an optimum of 10 minutes from that first UAV launch, from a fixed and level position.Notably, the MOD defines that the UAVs will be unpowered during launch, andwill not use any rocket assisted take off (RATO) boosters or any other launch system aside from the Pj VOLLEY launcher.Key technical requirements include: Launching UAVs as much as 125 kg in weight at speeds of a minimum of 60m/s (200 km/h)Minimal setup and manual operation by ideally a single person and no greater than threeOperation in temperature levels ranging from -20 to +55 CFunctionality in day/night, gloved, and NVG conditionsDeployment from cars such as a large body Sprinter truck or regular Transit vanThe full system must not surpass 275kgThe MOD emphasises that the system needs to be robust, simple to put together and efficient in launching numerous UAVs without replacement of high wear/ perishable parts, and able to stand up to jet efflux, fuel spills, handling damage, and run with a very little signature (acoustic, heat, visual) hiding in plain sight.Moreover, System launch angle need to be quickly adjustable to account for various UAV launch/take-off characteristics; assume minimum inclination of 8 degrees and up to an optimum of 30 degrees.The Ministry is also clear about what it does not want.
It excludesautonomous launchers, launchersnot operated by a human team, and any solutionthat will not be ready for UK field demonstration/ screening in October 25.RATO-based options are likewise explicitly ruled out.While a total system is welcomed, the MOD says it is open to partial solutions.If your product responses part of this VOLLEY challenge problem declaration, we encourage you to take part, the notification adds.The timeline for market engagement is as follows: Industry Day: 18 June 2025Dragons Den competitors: 1 August 2025Field presentations: October 2025First deliveries: No behind January 2026Importantly, the notice signals thata large number (>> 20 )of launchers are anticipated to be needed around 6 months from Industry Day/ launch of competition.Each production launcher should be priced under 300,000 andbe produceable at scale.The MOD includes thata little number of propositions (25 ), subject to contract, will be provided funding to show the entire VOLLEY ability in Oct 25.
International partners from NATO, Ukraine, and Five Eyes nations are likewise invited to get involved.
Registration for the Industry Day closes on 11 June 2025.
Source: UK Defence Journal