The SteelRock Velvet Wasp is a British carbon-fibre octocopter designed to carry a single precision-guided weapon for close air support. Unveiled at the 2017 Dubai Air Show.
| Country | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Multirotor |
| Subtype | Armed octocopter (close air support) |
| Role | Armed close air support |
| Classification | Armed multirotor UAV (CAS) |
| Mission | close air support, armed strike |
| MTOW (kg) | 30 |
| Frame type | Octocopter |
| Propulsion | Electric (8x rotors) |
| Range (km) | 100 |
| Combat-proven | No |
| Launch method | vertical takeoff |
| Autonomy level | Remotely piloted |
| Recovery method | vertical landing |
| Year introduced | 2017 |
| Max payload (kg) | 20 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 80 |
| Standard sensors | EO/targeting |
| Production status | Concept/prototype |
| Airframe / lift type | Multirotor – octo |
| Control / autonomy level | RC line-of-sight – VLOS |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | Armed UCAV |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | Electric (LiPo / Li-ion) |
| Range / endurance | Short range (50–150 km) |
| Signature / detectability | RCS – small |
| Speed regime | Medium (50–150 km/h) |
| Strike depth / operational role | Middle strike (20–150 km, operational rear: logistics, artillery, EW, C2) |
| Weight / class | Class I – Small (20–150 kg), FAA >25 kg (Part 137 / waiver) |