Nonkinetic effector from Raytheon successfully defeats UAS swarm during U.S. Army test
NewsJuly 21, 2021
YUMA PROVING GROUND, Ariz. During a U.S. Army test, the Raytheon Missiles & Defense reusable Coyote Block 3 nonkinetic effector successfully defeated a swarm of unmanned aerial systems (UASs), according to a report from Raytheon.
During the test, Raytheon reports, the Coyote engaged and defeated a swarm of 10 drones that differed in size, complexity, maneuverability and range. The test, the company says, achieved several important firsts: Air-to-air nonkinetic defeats; survivability, recovery, refurbishment, and reuse during the same test event; successful launch from the Coyote Block 2 system; and extended-range engagements, communication, and KU-band radio frequency system.
The Block 3 -- sent up by the expendable Coyote loitering munition -- uses a nonkinetic warhead to neutralize enemy UASs, reducing potential collateral damage; the nonkinetic variant can be recovered, refurbished, and reused without leaving the battlefield.
