British Defense Ministry showed a new drone "Taranis"

The UK Ministry of Defence has unveiled a prototype of a new strike unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), The Press Association reported on July 12. UAV named Taranis after the god of thunder in Celtic mythology. The prototype, unveiled at a launch in Warton, Lancashire, cost £142,5 million (approximately $215 million).

The creation of "Taranis" is engaged in the British company BAE Systems. A jet aircraft built using stealth technology is almost impossible to detect using ground-based radars. The new UAV is designed for reconnaissance, reconnaissance and observation on the territory of the enemy.

In addition, the drone will be able to perform combat missions - various weapons can be installed on board, including missiles and bombs. The UAV is capable of intercontinental flights. Moreover, the device can be controlled via satellite from anywhere in the world. Flight tests of the Taranis will begin in 2011.

The company BAE Systems has already developed a number of unmanned aerial vehicles for the British Ministry of Defense. One of the UAVs, called the Mantis, completed the first stage of flight tests in 2009. It was reported that he would be handed over to the armed forces at the end of 2009, but the deadlines were later shifted.