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Draft:Phil Kelly (British marine)

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Phil Kelly is a former British Royal Marines officer, fighter pilot, and military aviation professional. Over a career spanning 25 years, Kelly held several significant roles in the Royal Marines and Royal Navy, including Strike Warfare Commander for the UK’s Carrier Strike Group and Head of Future Maritime Aviation and Carrier Strike. He contributed to the integration of the F-35B and uncrewed systems into Royal Navy operations, particularly in the context of advancing maritime aviation technologies. [1]

Early career

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Kelly began his military career in the early 1990s, joining the Royal Marines. After earning his green beret, he transitioned to the Fleet Air Arm, becoming one of the few Royal Marines in their history to qualify as a fixed-wing pilot. He flew the Harrier GR7/9A and Sea Harrier FA2, both known for their short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, and operated from various Royal Navy carriers, including HMS Ark Royal and HMS Illustrious. Kelly later worked alongside the U.S. Navy, gaining extensive experience in carrier-based aviation, including operating the F/A-18 Hornet.[2] [3]

Strike warfare and carrier operations

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In 2017, Kelly was appointed Strike Warfare Commander aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth. In this role, he oversaw the integration of F-35B Lightning II jets into fleet operations. This role played a key part in the renewal of the UK's Carrier Strike Group capabilities, particularly in modernizing the integration of advanced aircraft into the carrier strike force.[4][5]

Head of Future Maritime Aviation and Carrier Strike

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In his final role for the Royal Navy, Kelly served as Head of Future Maritime Aviation and Carrier Strike, a new position established to guide the Navy’s adoption of uncrewed systems. Under his leadership, the Royal Navy conducted trials integrating uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) into carrier operations. These included platforms such as the Banshee Jet 80 and Mojave (a variant of the MQ-1C Gray Eagle), which were launched and recovered from HMS Prince of Wales. These trials, conducted off the U.S. East Coast, represented a European first for operating uncrewed systems from a carrier[6].

Post-military career

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After retiring from the military, Kelly joined Horizon Aircraft as senior vice president of Business Development, where he contributed to the development of the Cavorite X7, a hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (EVTOL) aircraft.[7][8]

Legacy

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Kelly's career reflects the evolving role of military aviation, particularly in integrating emerging technologies such as uncrewed systems into operational practices. His work in modernizing the UK’s carrier strike capabilities and advancing maritime aviation has contributed to the Royal Navy’s continued development of integrated air and sea power.[9][10]

References

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  1. ^ "Commodore Andrew Betton and Col. Phil Kelly on the HMS Queen Elizabeth". Retrieved 2024-11-19.
  2. ^ "Phil Kelly's role in Carrier Strike and Maritime Aviation". Retrieved 2024-11-19.
  3. ^ "UK Considers Refitting Its Aircraft Carriers with Catapults, Arresting Wires". Retrieved 2024-11-19.
  4. ^ "US Marine Corps depart Carrier Strike Group". Retrieved 2024-11-19.
  5. ^ "Royal Navy's Carrier Strike Group celebrates landmark integration with F-35B". Retrieved 2024-11-19.
  6. ^ "Royal Navy's successful crewless aircraft trials". Retrieved 2024-11-19.
  7. ^ "Phil Kelly joins Horizon Aircraft as Senior VP of Business Development". Retrieved 2024-11-19.
  8. ^ "Phil Kelly: New Role at Horizon Aircraft". Retrieved 2024-11-19.
  9. ^ "Aircraft Carriers underpin Royal Navy plans to use UAS to help build maritime mass". Retrieved 2024-11-19.
  10. ^ "UK Navy's carrier transformation embraces uncrewed systems integration". Retrieved 2024-11-19.
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