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Coyote
RTX-owned Raytheon unveiled a fully rocket-powered variant of the Coyote drone interceptor, saying Oct. 12 that the latest version recently completed three flight tests.
Raytheon introduced the Block 1 version of the Coyote more than a decade ago with an electric motor. The updated Block 2 variant added a booster rocket and sustaining turbojet engine.
Now, the Coyote Block 2C+RM replaces the booster-turbojet combination with a single solid rocket motor, said Tom Laliberty, Raytheon’s president of Land & Air Defense Systems.
The Block 2C+RM version also adds an upgraded seeker.
“What that does is you get upgraded propulsion for faster launch and higher velocity flight,” Laliberty told reporters. “And then with the [improved] seeker warhead, it really gets after the more cutting-edge drone capabilities that we’re seeing from the adversary.”
Asked if the propulsion and seeker upgrades specifically target a faster class of jet-powered, one-way attack drones recently fielded by Iran and Russia, Laliberty declined to provide specifics.
“I can’t get into the specific threats, but I can tell you, you know, the intention is to have this cover all types of Class 3 drones,” he said.
The three flight tests confirmed that the new configuration is compatible with the Coyote’s existing ground launch and control systems, Laliberty said.
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