## Unleashing the HAMMER: A New Era in UK Defence Technology
Edinburgh Drone Company (EDC), a prominent defence innovator based in Scotland, has officially launched its groundbreaking one-way attack drone, the HAMMER unmanned aircraft system (UAS). Unveiled at an exclusive press and stakeholder event in East Lothian, this UK-built marvel is poised to redefine operational capabilities for the United Kingdom and its allies, simultaneously fortifying the nation’s indigenous defence manufacturing prowess.
### Engineering a New Era of Defence
Following rigorous flight tests and comprehensive munitions trials, EDC has now formally introduced the HAMMER fixed-wing platform to the world. This strategic initiative aims to meet critical operational demands while significantly enhancing the UK’s capacity for domestic defence production.
#### A Collaborative UK Powerhouse
The HAMMER’s development is a testament to the power of national collaboration. It emerged from a dynamic partnership between EDC and Aero Solutions Ltd, forging a robust UK manufacturing hub that leverages the expertise of numerous small and medium-sized engineering firms. Crucially, the aircraft’s primary structures, including its fuselage, along with its final assembly, are meticulously manufactured within the UK, utilising high-quality European-sourced components. This approach not only ensures supply chain resilience but also champions local industry.
#### Designed for Dominance: Simplicity Meets Lethality
The core philosophy behind the HAMMER’s design prioritised simplicity, affordability, and scalability. This deliberate focus enables rapid production without unnecessary complexity, a critical advantage in fast-evolving defence landscapes. EDC proudly states that the aircraft was developed at a cost substantially lower than comparable European systems, yet it uncompromisingly retains the essential range and formidable payload capacity required for effective stand-off employment.
### Unmatched Capabilities on the Battlefield
The HAMMER is engineered for decisive impact, offering impressive performance metrics and versatile munition options.
#### Payload Prowess and Precision Impact
Initially conceived to carry a 2.5-kilogram munition, subsequent testing has revealed the HAMMER’s robust payload capacity of at least 3.5 kilograms. During live munitions trials, EDC reported a stunning achievement: its 2.5-kilogram munition successfully breached an astounding 600 millimetres of armoured steel, demonstrating its formidable destructive potential. The platform supports various munition configurations, including EDC’s proprietary 2.5-kilogram warhead, a versatile user-fillable cassette system, and compatibility with RPG-7 or similar payloads. Enhancing operational safety, a dedicated safe arming mechanism has been seamlessly integrated to ensure secure handling during preparation and deployment.
#### Rapid Deployment and Extended Reach
Deployment of the HAMMER is swift and efficient, facilitated by a catapult launcher meticulously designed and fabricated in-house at EDC’s East Lothian facility. The aircraft offers exceptional flexibility, capable of manual flight in two distinct configurations: a standard range of 22 kilometres, or an impressive extended range of up to 50 kilometres with a simple upgrade. For missions demanding prolonged presence, additional batteries can be easily integrated to boost endurance.
### Voices from the Forefront: Shaping Sovereign Defence
The launch event provided a platform for the visionaries behind the HAMMER to articulate its significance and future impact.
#### EDC’s Vision: Powering UK Defence Innovation
Ross Laing, Director at Edinburgh Drone Company, emphasised the program’s dedication to developing genuinely sovereign capability and the capacity for large-scale manufacturing. “The HAMMER signifies the pivotal next step in EDC’s commitment to delivering a truly UK-built capability, engineered with a singular focus: operational relevance,” he stated. “This platform has been meticulously designed from the ground up as a one-way effector aircraft, with an unwavering emphasis on range, payload, and the ability to manufacture at scale. We’ve intentionally built HAMMER to be both simple and cost-effective – potentially up to £100,000 less than comparable European start-up alternatives – while remaining unequivocally mission-ready. With over eight years of UAS development and production experience, we believe this marks a landmark moment for Scotland’s defence manufacturing base and for the UK’s accelerated generation of sovereign capabilities.”
#### The Strength of Collaboration: Aero Solutions’ Perspective
Stewart Clifford of Aero Solutions Ltd highlighted the project as a prime example of successful industrial collaboration within the UK. “This programme is fundamentally about establishing a practical UK manufacturing pathway for a capability increasingly vital for modern defence forces: fast, scalable, and mission-ready,” he commented. “Our joint manufacturing hub with EDC is strategically structured to enable consistent production, continuous improvement, and the rapid integration of additional UK SME capacity. With key partners like Blast Designs Solutions contributing to effects integration and safety systems, we are showcasing a comprehensive, UK-led capability pathway. HAMMER definitively demonstrates what is achievable when UK industry unites to deliver capabilities with unparalleled speed and purpose.”
### A Glimpse into the Future
The auspicious launch event, held at EDC’s state-of-the-art manufacturing and test facility in Haddington, brought together key industry partners and stakeholders. Attendees had the unique opportunity to witness the cutting-edge system firsthand and engage in discussions about its future development and production trajectory, signalling a bright and impactful future for the HAMMER in global defence.