The US Air Force has officially designated Leidos’ Small Cruise Missile (SCM) as the AGM-190A, recognizing it as an operational stand-off strike capability. This missile, referred to as “Black Arrow,” is engineered to be a cost-effective solution, weighing in at 200 pounds (91 kilograms) and designed for long-range precision strikes.
One of the standout features of the AGM-190A is its modular hardware and open-system software architecture, which allows operators to quickly adapt the weapon for various operational requirements. This adaptability is crucial in a rapidly changing battlefield environment.
The missile is powered by a Pratt & Whitney TJ150-7 turbojet engine, achieving speeds of Mach 0.8, equivalent to 613 miles per hour (988 kilometers per hour), with an impressive service ceiling of 30,000 feet (9,144 meters). This capability enhances its effectiveness as a stand-off weapon.
Leidos has highlighted that the AGM-190A’s development leverages its extensive experience in creating small glide munitions, including the GBU-69. The integration of modern manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing and artificial intelligence for optimization further elevates the missile’s performance and production efficiency.
This significant milestone follows successful tests conducted from a C-130 aircraft, where the AGM-190A demonstrated its impressive stand-off range by exceeding 400 nautical miles, or 460 miles (741 kilometers).
Cindy Gruensfelder, the president of the defense sector at Leidos, emphasized that this capability will not only provide warfighters with crucial operational flexibility for current missions but also prepare them to counter emerging threats in the future. She noted that the Air Force’s designation of the AGM-190A reflects its trust in Leidos as a provider of effective and affordable stand-off strike solutions.
