BlueHalo has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting a live-fire demonstration of its counter-uncrewed aerial system (c-UAS) missile as part of a program for the U.S. Army. The demonstration took place at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground facility in Arizona, where the company’s Freedom Eagle-1 (FE-1) solution completed three missile test flights during its inaugural Controlled Test Vehicle trial in January.
During this phase of testing, BlueHalo gathered extensive data, including video footage, sensor logs, radar tracks, and radio frequency (RF) diagnostics. This comprehensive data collection aimed to evaluate the missile’s performance specifically regarding its guidance, navigation, and control systems while also scrutinizing its aerodynamic properties.
James Batt, the Chief Growth Officer of BlueHalo, expressed pride in the accomplishment, noting, “Going three for three on the first ever launch during the development of a new kinetic missile program is an astounding engineering feat and a testament to our team’s incredible dedication and expertise.”
Company CEO Jonathan Moneymaker emphasized the company’s commitment to rapid advancement in response to evolving defense needs. He mentioned the current geopolitical landscape, particularly the ongoing drone warfare between Russia and Ukraine and escalating tensions in the Red Sea and Taiwan, as critical factors driving the urgency of their development efforts. “We are taking a proactive stance—tapping into our internal resources to advance our FE-1 system to meet the rising demand on an expedited timeline,” he stated.
Highlighting the rapid progress made, Batt pointed out that BlueHalo moved from “paper design to first flight in 107 days.” Subsequently, in June 2024, the FE-1 was chosen as one of two finalists in the U.S. Army’s Next-Generation C-UAS Missile (NGCM) program, which seeks to develop munitions capable of engaging larger and more advanced Group 3 and higher unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The c-UAS missile’s development continued with successful tests of its dual-thrust, solid rocket motor in August, followed by the completion of warhead detonation testing by the end of 2024. Looking ahead, BlueHalo plans to conduct a customer live-fire demonstration in the third quarter of 2025.
Furthermore, Moneymaker noted the U.S. administration’s commitment to accelerate the procurement and deployment of new defense systems to address drone threats. He acknowledged Congressional support for the development of additional weaponry capable of engaging threats at longer ranges and higher altitudes, asserting that the current pace of evolution in threats necessitates a corresponding speed in defense capabilities. “We’re moving at the speed necessary to meet the need, even if it requires our own internal funding to make it happen,” he remarked.
