The US Army has selected three prominent defense firms to participate in an important demonstration of advanced Launched Effects–Short Range (LE-SR) systems. The demonstration will feature systems from Raytheon, Anduril Industries, and AEVEX Aerospace, showcasing their innovative technologies — specifically, the Coyote Block 3, Altius 600, and Atlas drones — in front of active-duty soldiers.
In this hands-on demonstration, infantry, field artillery, and aviation units will engage with these systems to gain practical experience and evaluate diverse tactics, techniques, and procedures for their deployment in real-world scenarios. The Launched Effects systems comprise small, uncrewed aircraft or payloads that can be launched from autonomous ground or aerial platforms, enhancing on-the-ground capabilities such as detection, identification, location, and threat reporting. Each system typically includes an air vehicle, effects payload, mission system applications, and the support equipment necessary for effective operation.
Brig. Gen. David Phillips, the US Army’s Program Executive Officer for Aviation, highlighted the significance of the LE-SR user demonstration. He expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with industry partners to put their innovative systems in the hands of soldiers, ensuring that performance can be thoroughly evaluated and areas for improvement can be identified.
Raytheon’s Coyote Block 3 serves as an advanced cousin of the Coyote series, which includes small, portable, cost-effective drone interceptors. This iteration boasts upgraded sensors and a variety of payload options, amplifying capabilities in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and precise strikes on targets.
Anduril Industries contributes the Altius 600, a versatile and high-performance drone capable of handling a wide spectrum of missions, which encompass reconnaissance, targeting, communications relay, and strike operations. Its design allows it to adapt to various operational demands, providing a significant edge on the battlefield.
AEVEX Aerospace’s offering, the Atlas system, is categorized under Group II loitering munitions, known for its ability to carry both fragmentation and penetrator payloads. It is engineered for speed and endurance, capable of reaching over 50 knots (92 kilometers/57 miles per hour) and remaining airborne for in excess of two hours. This extended loiter time provides operators the flexibility to observe and engage targets effectively.
The US Army intends to utilize soldier feedback collected during the demonstration to inform the development of future LE-SR requirements and refine the strategic employment of these systems in upcoming missions. This collaborative effort between soldiers and industry aims to enhance the operational effectiveness of the US Army’s capabilities in modern combat environments.
