The Royal Navy has begun flying operations of its latest drone – the jet-powered 400-mph Banshee – off the coast of Cornwall.
The 700X Naval Air Squadron has been learning to fly the new piece of kit at Predannack Airfield.
The airfield is already used for drone research and training and the flying takes place in the segregated airspace up to 30 miles south of Mount’s Bay and the Lizard.
Captain Stuart Irwin, the commanding of RNAS Culdrose, said: “I am delighted to announce the successful and uneventful first flight of the Banshee by the Royal Navy.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in what has been a huge team effort.
“We’ve had amazing support from the air station and our industrial partners in getting Project Vampire off the ground.”
The drones are not weaponised but are instead being used to develop the skills and regulations required to fly jet-powered drones.