Test-fire of the M-LIDS platform – a mobile counter-unmanned aerial system for the US Army – in Udairi Range, Kuwait, July 2023 (Image source: DVIDS)
In a remarkable demonstration of technological prowess and readiness, Raytheon recently conducted comprehensive tests to assess the interoperability of its cutting-edge radar and effector systems with the US Army’s Low, slow, small-unmanned aircraft Integrated Defense System (LIDS) platform.
These trials represent a significant milestone in enhancing the military’s ability to “detect and defeat” unmanned aerial threats, setting the stage for the continued evolution of counter-drone capabilities in an era of growing drone proliferation.
Raytheon’s Ku-band Radio Frequency System (KuRFS) radar and the Coyote family of effectors took center stage during these tests, supporting the Army’s mission to counter “low, slow, small-unmanned aircraft.”
In challenging scenarios featuring both individual drones and swarm attacks, these technologies demonstrated their prowess, affirming their effectiveness in promptly decreasing reaction times when countering hostile drone threats.
LIDS: The Army’s Counter-Drone Solution
The LIDS platform is a critical component of the US Army’s efforts to maintain dominance over the growing drone threat landscape.
It serves as the military’s go-to counter-unmanned system capability, integrating a range of cutting-edge technologies designed to thwart the various unmanned aerial threats that have become increasingly prevalent in recent years.
In a remarkable demonstration of technological prowess and readiness, Raytheon recently conducted comprehensive tests to assess the interoperability of its cutting-edge radar and effector systems with the US Army’s Low, slow, small-unmanned aircraft Integrated Defense System (LIDS) platform.
These trials represent a significant milestone in enhancing the military’s ability to “detect and defeat” unmanned aerial threats, setting the stage for the continued evolution of counter-drone capabilities in an era of growing drone proliferation.
Raytheon’s Ku-band Radio Frequency System (KuRFS) radar and the Coyote family of effectors took center stage during these tests, supporting the Army’s mission to counter “low, slow, small-unmanned aircraft.”
In challenging scenarios featuring both individual drones and swarm attacks, these technologies demonstrated their prowess, affirming their effectiveness in promptly decreasing reaction times when countering hostile drone threats.
LIDS: The Army’s Counter-Drone Solution
The LIDS platform is a critical component of the US Army’s efforts to maintain dominance over the growing drone threat landscape.
It serves as the military’s go-to counter-unmanned system capability, integrating a range of cutting-edge technologies designed to thwart the various unmanned aerial threats that have become increasingly prevalent in recent years.
LIDS offers both fixed and mobile configurations, ensuring that it can be deployed in stationary base or site protection scenarios as well as unconventional or temporary contingency locations.
The system’s versatility and adaptability make it a formidable tool in the Army’s arsenal, capable of addressing drone threats across diverse operational environments.
KuRFS Radar: Tracking Complex Drone Swarms
During the recent testing, Raytheon’s KuRFS radar played a pivotal role in tracking the movements of a complex drone swarm consisting of 30 systems.
This radar technology is engineered to provide accurate and real-time situational awareness by detecting, tracking, and classifying a wide range of airborne threats, including drones.
KuRFS radar’s ability to track a complex swarm of drones with precision and efficiency is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of military personnel and assets.
Understanding the dynamics of drone swarms and rapidly assessing their intent and trajectory is essential for a timely response, and KuRFS proved its mettle in this regard.
Coyote Effectors: Intercepting Drone Threats
The Coyote family of effectors, another key element of Raytheon’s counter-drone solution, demonstrated their effectiveness during the testing.
These tube-launched projectiles are designed to intercept and neutralize drone threats, making them a vital tool in countering unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The tests involved both single drone and swarm simulations, in which the Coyote effectors validated their efficiency and reliability in reducing response times during engagements against adversary assets.
Their ability to swiftly engage and neutralize drone threats is a critical advantage in countering emerging and rapidly evolving drone tactics.
Hardware and Software Revamps
The tests provided an opportunity to validate the latest hardware and software enhancements applied to both the KuRFS radar and Coyote effectors—upgrades essential for maintaining a competitive edge in the ever-evolving field of drone technology.
By meeting all test requirements and successfully countering high-speed targets, similar to tests conducted in 2021 and 2022, Raytheon’s technologies have reaffirmed their position as reliable and effective counter-drone tools.
Ongoing Commitment to Counter-Drone Capabilities
Tom Laliberty, President of Raytheon Land & Air Defense Systems, emphasized the company’s commitment to continuously improving counter-UAS capabilities.
As the threat of unmanned systems continues to grow, the performance and reliability of these systems become increasingly critical.
Staying ahead of the threat and providing customers with effective solutions remains Raytheon’s top priority.
US Army’s LIDS Project
The US Army is actively expanding its LIDS anti-drone capabilities through modernization and training projects.
In April, the service awarded Raytheon a $237-million contract to procure additional KuRFS and Coyote effectors for its LIDS system. This contract highlights the military’s confidence in Raytheon’s technology and its continued partnership with the company to bolster its counter-drone capabilities.
In 2022, the US Army trained with the mobile configuration of the LIDS in Kuwait. This training aimed to prepare under a multinational anti-ISIS formation task force based in Iraq and Syria, underlining the system’s adaptability to diverse operational environments.
Additionally, Raytheon received a $207-million contract in 2022 to deliver KuRFS sensors for the LIDS.
These sensors play a pivotal role in enhancing the radar capabilities of the LIDS system, further strengthening its ability to detect and track drone threats.
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The recent tests conducted by Raytheon in collaboration with the US Army demonstrate the ongoing commitment to enhancing the military’s counter-drone capabilities. The successful interoperability of Raytheon’s KuRFS radar and Coyote effectors with the LIDS platform signifies a significant step forward in countering the increasing threat posed by UAS.
As the demand for effective counter-drone solutions persists, these developments pave the way for a safer and more secure future in the face of unmanned aerial challenges.
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