Raytheon tests radar and effectors against drone swarms

Raytheon has demonstrated the capabilities of the Ku-band Radio Frequency Sensor, known as KuRFS, the Coyote Block 2 kinetic effector, and the Block 3 non-kinetic effector during the US Army’s annual summer test period. 

Testing requirements against high-speed, manoeuvring targets, the systems tested their detect and defeat capabilities as part of the Low, slow, small-unmanned aircraft Integrated Defence System, or LIDS.

In a stress test, the 360-degree KuRFS radar successfully detected and tracked a swarm of unmanned aircraft vehicles. Coyote defeated targets, singles and swarms, demonstrating reduced engagement timelines to defeat multiple threats. The tests validated software enhancements made to both systems. 

The US Army is currently bolstering its counter-drone defences through a series of recent contracts to equip customers with LIDS. These include a contract that supports a fourth division with systems and support services.