Pentagon funding for firm's new unmanned helicopter

The company's CEO Justin Tooth used to fly helicopters as a Royal Navy pilot.

A former Royal Navy pilot who now makes unmanned helicopters said he has "never had a job as exciting as this".

Certo Aerospace, based near Frome, Somerset, said it has made the UK's heaviest, operational, unmanned helicopter.

Part-funded by the Pentagon, it is hoped the aircraft - currently being flight tested at Keevil Airfield in Wiltshire - will be used by the US and UK militaries in the next few years.

Justin Tooth, CEO at Certo Aerospace, said: "We're filling a capability gap between little electric drones and big manned helicopters."

The helicopter will be a different colour depending on what it is transporting

Away from conflict zones it is hoped the helicopter can also be used to deliver aid and support search and rescue operations.

Mr Tooth, who used to fly helicopters when he served in the Royal Navy, said: "I've never had a job as exciting as this or as futuristic as this."

Mr Tooth said that due to the helicopter being unmanned it is cheaper but also will lead to less loss of life in war zones when the aircraft is targeted.

The aircraft, which is regularly flight tested at Keevil Airfield near Trowbridge in Wiltshire, has its rotor blade at the top of the helicopter, above the main rotor disc, a move said to be the first for a helicopter in the UK.

Certo Aerospace said the aircraft's piloting is done remotely, which means it can carry more fuel and fly further.

Harry Johnson is an intern and John Wilkinson is a senior engineer who inspects the aircraft

Senior engineer John Wilkinson from Wiltshire said: "It's been incredible to be on the forefront of a new emerging field.

"I've got friends who don't like their jobs but this is a great place to be."

Intern Harry Johnson has been helping on test days and said: "It's really cool to be working here.

"I'm doing an engineering degree so this is a chance to get some hands-on experience here."

The aircraft is on display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex in July.

The helicopter regularly carries out fly tests at Keevil Airfield in Wiltshire