Raytheon Missiles & Defense proves counter-UAS effectiveness against enemy drones

YUMA PROVING GROUND, Ariz., (Oct. 11, 2021) — In partnership with the U.S. Army’s Integrated Fires and Rapid Capabilities Office, Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a Raytheon Technologies business, successfully showcased several counter-unmanned aircraft system capabilities during the service’s 10-day summer test period.

The tests used Coyote® interceptor variants with the KuRFS precision targeting radar and the Ku-720 mobile sensing radar, to detect and defeat all drone swarms varying in size and range. Working in conjunction with the Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control, the KuRFS family of sensors provided a local integrated air picture, assuring manned aircraft safety of flight throughout all Coyote interceptor engagements.

The Ku-720 radar is a scaled version of KuRFS, specifically designed for highly mobile operations. The radar reduces the size, weight and cost of the currently deployed KuRFS, while retaining its same proven technology for surveillance, threat detection, identification, and tracking.

“Together with our Army partners, we showcased the maturity and lethality of our Counter-UAS systems against single and multiple drone threats to both U.S. and international customers,” said Abel Ghanooni, senior director for Short Range Air Defense and Rapid Development Programs at Raytheon Missiles & Defense. “These tests move us closer to deploying Coyote and Ku-720 globally, so they can protect service members and critical assets from enemy drones.”

The summer test period also accomplished several key milestones for Coyote interceptor variants. The Coyote Block 2 defeated threats at longer ranges and higher altitudes than similar class effectors, gaining U.S. Army approval for deployment. Using its upgraded subsystems, it responded more quickly and with increased lethality against Group 1-3 UAS threats.

The non-kinetic Coyote Block 3 interceptor was approved for an overseas operational assessment, after demonstrating its fully integrated system-of-system capabilities at extended ranges. It was effective against multiple Group 1-3 UAS threats and was retrieved, refurbished, and reused during the same test period.

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About Raytheon Missiles & Defense

Raytheon Missiles & Defense brings global customers the most advanced end-to-end solutions delivering the advantage of one innovative partner to detect, track, and intercept threats. With a broad portfolio of air and missile defense systems, precision weapons, radars, command and control systems and advanced defense technologies Raytheon Missiles & Defense solutions protect citizens, warfighters and infrastructure in more than fifty countries around the world.