RTX’s Advanced Anti-Drone Technologies Outshine Evolving Aerial Threats
Raytheon, a subsidiary of RTX, effectively showcased the functionalities of the Low, Slow, Small-Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defense System, or LIDS, during the U.S. Army’s annual summer evaluation period. Accompanying U.S. Army officials were delegates from numerous international allied ground forces who came to witness the testing events firsthand.
Raytheon’s Ku-band Radio Frequency Sensor, referred to as KuRFS, together with the Coyote® series of effectors, delivers the crucial detection and neutralization capabilities of LIDS, the Army’s premier counter-drone solution.
Building on prior successes at the Army’s 2021 and 2022 summer evaluations, KuRFS and Coyote demonstrated efficacy once more this year, satisfying all testing criteria against fast-moving, agile targets.
“This signifies yet another achievement in the established record of excellence and effectiveness of our counter-UAS solutions,” stated Tom Laliberty, president of Land & Air Defense Systems at Raytheon. “As the threat from unmanned systems continues to escalate, the functionality and dependability of a comprehensive C-UAS system is essential – and we remain dedicated to the ongoing enhancement of these systems to provide our clients with an efficient solution to stay ahead of potential threats.”
The persistent, all-encompassing 360-degree KuRFS radar excelled during a rigorous assessment, successfully identifying and tracking a complicated swarm of over 30 unmanned aerial vehicles. Coyote neutralized multiple targets, both solo and in swarms, showcasing shortened engagement timelines to eliminate several threats. The evaluations confirmed the recent advancements in hardware and software implemented in both systems to enhance capability and performance.
Global interest in these systems is substantial, with numerous allied nations seeking information and briefings. The U.S. Army is currently strengthening its counter-drone defenses with LIDS, awarding Raytheon an October 2022 contract to furnish two Army divisions with LIDS, followed by another contract for additional fixed-site and mobile LIDS systems awarded earlier this year to further bolster the U.S. Army’s Central Command. A third contract was recently conveyed, aimed at outfitting a third Army division.
Raytheon has engineered the pivotal technologies, as well as comprehensive and customizable systems, enabling military and civilian clients to counter complex UAS threats across various environments. The organization has developed integrated, high-performance sensors and cost-effective kinetic and non-kinetic effectors, allowing clients to choose the appropriate effectors to combat a spectrum of threats and defeat challenges more efficiently.
