During the 1970’s the British Army were seeking to gather information on the deployment of assets by forces which may not have the same objectives as the free world. These instigated thoughts for a small unmanned air vehicle which would be difficult to detect when deployed over red force areas.
Westland Helicopters had developed for a small rotary airframe called WISP capable of carrying a limited payload. The Marconi Electro-Optics team at Basildon had also developed a sensor and radio link payload small enough to be carried by the Westland aircraft.
Wisp
Test flights took place over Boscombe Downs to demonstrate what was possible, this in turn resulted in the MOD seeking a more capable system which was the forerunner to the current day drones.
As can be seen from the pictures this more capable drone comprised of barrel shaped sensor pack with a single rotary helicopter power plant. Perhaps it was a combination of the fact the Marconi team leader was Mel Bennett and before and after discussions on the system trials at a local inn close to the trials area, the system was christened The Bennett Beer Barrel.
Ultimately this development resulted in the first unmanned surveillance system for the MOD, and is the forefather for modern day drone.
