Cummings Aerospace’s Hellhound Kamikaze Drone Tested at Army’s Expeditionary Warrior Experiment 2025

The Hellhound S3’s 3D-printed components reduce production costs and simplify logistics, making it an affordable solution for the US Army while providing advanced strike capabilities. Its ability to loiter over a target area and engage with precision provides an operational advantage over slower drones, giving IBCTs a critical tool for faster, more effective engagements in the battlefield. Future Role and Scalability The Hellhound S3 is specifically designed to meet the US Army’s Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program requirements. LASSO aims to provide IBCTs with long-range, anti-armor capabilities similar to those available to Armored Brigades, ensuring that ground forces have access to advanced technologies for effective combat. Cummings Aerospace’s Hellhound S3 is expected to play a key role in equipping the Army with precision lethality, offering extended range and endurance. Its loitering capability enables soldiers to strike targets within the IBCT battlespace, including those beyond the line of sight. This system’s modular design ensures that it can adapt to evolving missions and support additional payload options as the LASSO program evolves. In addition to meeting the Army’s current requirements, the Hellhound S3’s scalable design allows it to support future missions across various military branches and allied forces, making it a versatile platform for years to come. The ability to field-swap payloads, as well as the potential for growth in its mission profile, ensures that the Hellhound S3 will remain a valuable asset as defense strategies continue to evolve. US Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division set up a Switchblade 600 during a live fire exercise at Grafenwoehr, Germany, February 25, 2025. (Wikimedia Commons/DVIDS) Cummings Aerospace plans to conduct additional flight tests in the coming months to further refine the Hellhound S3 system and bring the entire platform to TRL-7. The company is also preparing to formally submit the Hellhound for consideration under the US Army’s LASSO program, a crucial step for integrating the drone into Army operations. Future demonstrations and tests for other potential customers will also be explored to expand the system’s use across different sectors of defense. Final Thoughts The successful first flight of the Hellhound S3 kamikaze drone at AEWE 2025 is a significant achievement for Cummings Aerospace, demonstrating the viability of 3D-printed, turbojet-powered drones for precision strike capabilities. With its high-speed performance, man-portable design, and versatile payload options, the Hellhound S3 is poised to enhance the US Army’s capabilities in a rapidly evolving battlefield.