Vortex
Product descripton: Vortex by MGI Defence
Vortex is an Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) that operates without a pilot, flies using artificial intelligence, and is designed from the outset to work as part of a coordinated team with crewed aircraft. Combining near-supersonic speed, strategic range, and a large multi-role payload capacity, Vortex delivers scalable, cost-effective air capability for modern collaborative combat operations.
With a maximum take-off weight of 3,500 kg, a combat radius exceeding 4,000 km, and a unit cost of £3–6 million, Vortex offers performance traditionally associated with fast jets while enabling affordable deployment at scale.
At a Glance
- Near-supersonic performance with speeds up to Mach 0.85
- Strategic combat radius exceeding 4,000 km
- Designed for manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T)
- AI-enabled autonomous mission planning and execution
- 1,000 kg multi-role payload across internal and external stations
- Configurable for strike, ISR, electronic warfare, or decoy missions
- Cost-effective platform designed for scalable procurement
Technical specifications
Capabilities
Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP)
Vortex operates independently using AI, planning, adapting, and executing missions without requiring continuous ground operator control. The platform aligns with the UK Ministry of Defence’s ACP programme framework.
Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)
A single crewed aircraft—such as the Typhoon, F-35, or equivalent—can direct multiple Vortex aircraft simultaneously. The platforms share sensor data, adapt to changing mission requirements, and execute coordinated operations autonomously.
Denied-Environment Resilience
Vortex is designed to continue operating when communications are jammed or denied. Its onboard AI enables intelligent autonomous decision-making without persistent communication links.
Multi-Role Mission Flexibility
The aircraft supports a wide variety of payload configurations through one internal payload bay and four external stations, enabling missions including:
- Precision strike
- Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
- Electronic Warfare (EW)
- Decoy operations
Payload configurations can be rapidly changed between missions.
Full-Envelope Performance
Vortex operates across a -2 g to +7 g flight envelope at altitudes ranging from below 20 m to 12,000 m, providing both strategic reach and agility for contested airspace operations.
UK Sovereign Manufacturing
Designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom, Vortex applies MGI Engineering’s Formula 1-derived expertise in rapid prototyping and lightweight composite engineering to next-generation autonomous defence platforms.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Platform Type | Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) |
| Primary Mission | Manned-Unmanned Teaming & Multi-Role Combat Operations |
| Length | 11.0 m |
| Wingspan | 7.6 m |
| Empty Weight | 1,025 kg |
| Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) | 3,500 kg |
| Powerplant | P&W CW530 Turbofan (or Equivalent), 12–16 kN Thrust |
| Maximum Speed | >1,050 km/h (Mach 0.85) |
| Cruise Speed | 875 km/h (Mach 0.71) |
| Range / Combat Radius | >4,000 km |
| Operating Altitude | <20 m to 12,000 m |
| Maneuverability | -2 g to +7 g |
| Total Payload Capacity | 1,000 kg |
| Internal Payload | 400 kg |
| External Payload | 600 kg Across Four External Stations |
| Mission Types | Strike, ISR, Electronic Warfare, Decoy, Collaborative Combat |
| Autonomy | AI-Enabled Autonomous Collaborative Platform |
| Cost | £3–6 million (Configuration Dependent) |