Leidos completes successful test launch of a Small Cruise Missile
Leidos has successfully completed a guided flight test of their Small Cruise Missile (SCM), dubbed Black Arrow, from an AC-130J aircraft. The test demonstrated the missile's compatibility, system performance, and integration with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Battle Management System.
The Black Arrow is a 200-lb class mission adaptable delivery platform designed for both kinetic and non-kinetic missions. The test was conducted under a Collaborative Research and Development agreement between Leidos, USSOCOM, and AFSOC.
The missile can be launched through various methods, including from C-130 ramp via custom Ramp Launch Tube, palletized launch, and conventional store release from fixed-wing aircraft. Leidos is currently under contract with USSOCOM to continue test and evaluation activities throughout 2025.
Leidos ha completato con successo un volo di prova guidato del loro Missile da Crociera Piccolo (SCM), chiamato Freccia Nera, da un aereo AC-130J. Il test ha dimostrato la compatibilità del missile, le prestazioni del sistema e l'integrazione con il Sistema di Gestione della Battaglia del Naval Surface Warfare Center.
La Freccia Nera è una piattaforma di consegna adattabile a missioni di classe 200 lb, progettata per missioni sia cinetiche che non cinetiche. Il test è stato condotto nell'ambito di un accordo di Ricerca e Sviluppo Collaborativo tra Leidos, USSOCOM e AFSOC.
Il missile può essere lanciato attraverso vari metodi, inclusi il lancio da un ramp C-130 tramite un apposito Tubo di Lancio, lancio palletizzato e rilascio convenzionale da aerei ad ala fissa. Leidos è attualmente sotto contratto con USSOCOM per continuare le attività di test e valutazione fino al 2025.
Leidos ha completado con éxito una prueba de vuelo guiada de su Pequeño Misil de Crucero (SCM), llamado Flecha Negra, desde un avión AC-130J. La prueba demostró la compatibilidad del misil, el rendimiento del sistema y la integración con el Sistema de Gestión de Batalla del Centro de Guerra de Superficie Naval.
La Flecha Negra es una plataforma de entrega adaptable a misiones de clase 200 lb, diseñada para misiones cinéticas y no cinéticas. La prueba se realizó bajo un acuerdo de Investigación y Desarrollo Colaborativo entre Leidos, USSOCOM y AFSOC.
El misil se puede lanzar a través de varios métodos, incluidos el lanzamiento desde una rampa C-130 a través de un Tubo de Lanzamiento personalizado, lanzamiento palletizado y liberación convencional desde aviones de ala fija. Leidos está actualmente bajo contrato con USSOCOM para continuar las actividades de prueba y evaluación hasta 2025.
Leidos는 AC-130J 항공기에서 소형 순항 미사일(SCM)인 블랙 애로우의 유도 비행 시험을 성공적으로 완료했습니다. 이 시험은 미사일의 호환성, 시스템 성능 및 해군 수상 전투 관리 시스템과의 통합을 입증했습니다.
블랙 애로우는 200파운드 급 임무 적응형 전달 플랫폼으로, 운동 에너지를 사용하는 임무와 비운동 에너지를 사용하는 임무 모두에 설계되었습니다. 이 시험은 Leidos, USSOCOM 및 AFSOC 간의 협력 연구 및 개발 계약에 따라 수행되었습니다.
미사일은 C-130 경사로에서 맞춤형 발사 튜브를 통해, 팔레트화된 발사 및 고정익 항공기에서의 전통적인 장비 해제를 포함하여 다양한 방법으로 발사될 수 있습니다. Leidos는 현재 2025년까지 시험 및 평가 활동을 계속하기 위해 USSOCOM과 계약을 체결하고 있습니다.
Leidos a réussi à réaliser un test de vol guidé de son Petit Missile de Croisière (SCM), appelé Flèche Noire, à partir d'un avion AC-130J. Le test a démontré la compatibilité du missile, les performances du système et son intégration avec le Système de Gestion de Combat du Naval Surface Warfare Center.
La Flèche Noire est une plateforme de livraison adaptable de classe 200 lb, conçue pour des missions cinétiques et non cinétiques. Le test a été réalisé dans le cadre d'un accord de recherche et développement collaboratif entre Leidos, USSOCOM et AFSOC.
Le missile peut être lancé par divers moyens, y compris depuis une rampe C-130 via un tube de lancement personnalisé, un lancement palettisé et un largage conventionnel depuis des avions à voilure fixe. Leidos est actuellement sous contrat avec USSOCOM pour poursuivre les activités de test et d'évaluation jusqu'en 2025.
Leidos hat erfolgreich einen geführten Flugtest ihres kleinen Kreuzfahrtrakets (SCM), genannt Schwarzer Pfeil, von einem AC-130J-Flugzeug abgeschlossen. Der Test demonstrierte die Kompatibilität der Rakete, die Systemleistung und die Integration mit dem Battle Management System des Naval Surface Warfare Center.
Der Schwarze Pfeil ist eine 200-Pfund-Klasse, anpassbare Lieferplattform, die für kinetische und nicht-kinetische Missionen ausgelegt ist. Der Test wurde im Rahmen einer Kooperationsvereinbarung für Forschung und Entwicklung zwischen Leidos, USSOCOM und AFSOC durchgeführt.
Die Rakete kann auf verschiedene Arten gestartet werden, einschließlich vom C-130-Rampen über ein maßgeschneidertes Startrohr, palletisiertem Start und konventionellem Abwurf von Flugzeugen mit fester Tragfläche. Leidos hat derzeit einen Vertrag mit USSOCOM, um die Test- und Bewertungsaktivitäten bis 2025 fortzusetzen.
- Successful completion of guided flight test demonstrates technical capability
- Ongoing contract with USSOCOM for continued testing through 2025
- Multiple launch platform compatibility increases market potential
- Alignment with Air Force architecture standards strengthens competitive position
- Early development stage with no immediate revenue impact
- Additional testing required before potential full deployment
Insights
Leidos has achieved a significant milestone with the successful test launch of their "Black Arrow" Small Cruise Missile (SCM) from an AC-130J aircraft. This successful demonstration validates multiple critical capabilities including aircraft compatibility, guidance systems, and integration with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Battle Management System.
The test represents more than just technical validation—it's a strategic advancement in Leidos' position within the defense sector. The company has now secured a contract with United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to continue test and evaluation activities throughout 2025, establishing a revenue stream and pathway to potential production contracts.
What makes this development particularly valuable is the military's explicit endorsement, with Col. Justin Bronder of USSOCOM describing the SCM as "a key capability, rapidly advancing AFSOC's ability to close long-range kill chains." This level of military backing significantly increases the likelihood of continued funding and eventual procurement.
The Black Arrow's design aligns perfectly with the Pentagon's current priority of "affordable mass"—developing lower-cost weapons that can be deployed in larger quantities. By incorporating Air Force-advocated architecture standards and Weapon Open System Architecture, Leidos has positioned this platform for rapid fielding and potentially accelerated procurement timelines.
For Leidos' defense portfolio, this represents a valuable diversification into sophisticated weapons systems beyond their traditional IT and technical services, potentially opening new revenue streams in the highly-funded strike weapons segment of defense spending.
The Black Arrow is a low cost, 200-lb class mission adaptable delivery platform designed to facilitate spiral upgrades for both kinetic and non-kinetic missions. The test was conducted as part of a Collaborative Research and Development (CRADA) agreement between Leidos, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
"Performing this test from an AC-130 platform while also integrating with the BMS provided aircrews and operators a chance to see how well our SCM worked," said Mark Miller, senior vice president for Missile and Aviation Systems at Leidos.
Speaking at the Special Air Warfare Symposium held at Eglin Air Force Base in March, Col. Justin Bronder, USSOCOM PEO-FW, noted that, "SCM is a key capability, rapidly advancing AFSOC's ability to close long-range kill chains."
Since the SCM CRADA was initiated in 2022, the concept and benefits of affordable mass have become well recognized within the strike weapons community, and Black Arrow is designed to fulfil this need. Leidos is leveraging model-based system engineering practices to support the timely and cost-effective development. Use of Air Force-advocated architecture standards as well as the Air Force Research Laboratory's Weapon Open System Architecture are key design elements.
"Aligning to these stringent standards, while successfully demonstrating this capability from an operational aircraft, places us in a strong position to rapidly field Black Arrow if called upon to do so," Miller said.
The missile is designed to be launched in a variety of methods, including launch ejection from a C-130 (or other cargo utility aircraft) ramp via a custom Ramp Launch Tube (RLT), palletized launch and conventional store release from fixed-wing aircraft.
Leidos is now under contract with USSOCOM to continue test and evaluation activities throughout 2025.
About Leidos
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in
Certain statements in this announcement constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the
Contact: | Mackenzie Hicks (256) 964-4034 |
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SOURCE Leidos
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