Heading into Action in the Glider

An MoD-backed start-up has developed the UK’s first foot-launched military powered paraglider, which can take off with no runway required. British soldiers could be equipped with rucksack-sized powered paragliders for covert missions in hostile territory, following a new invention by a UK start-up this year.

Backed by around £6 million from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), British start-up BLAKCRO has developed the UK’s first foot-launched military paraglider systems. A pilot can launch the system by running, powered only by their own legs and the wind, rather than wheels or an engine. The gliders will enable troops to fly covertly into hostile territory without a runway, helicopter or drop aircraft.

Supported by UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) – the MoD’s ‘front door’ for companies that have not previously worked with defence – Wiltshire-based BLAKCRO has designed the unique gliders specifically for military use, with the company supplying systems this year and into 2027.

The glider folds into a case approximately the size of a large rucksack and can be assembled in under eight minutes in complete darkness, with a low acoustic, visual and radar signature designed to support stealth insertions into hostile territory.

Built around a UK-made titanium airframe, the glider can travel up to 200 miles under its own power, and accommodates body armour, night vision equipment and weapon mounts. The technology is already in operational use, with contracts held across the UK and with NATO allies. The Royal Marines and Parachute Regiment are now looking to trial this individual approach to air mobility in the coming months.

BLAKCRO online