RTX's Raytheon demos KuRFS and Coyote performance against complex UAS threats

Rhea-AI Summary

Raytheon, an RTX business, successfully demonstrated the capabilities of its Ku-band Radio Frequency Sensor (KuRFS) and Coyote™ Block 2 and Block 3 effectors during the U.S. Army's annual summer test period. The systems were tested as part of the Low, slow, small-unmanned aircraft Integrated Defense System (LIDS), the Army's counter-drone solution. KuRFS excelled in detecting and tracking drone swarms, while Coyote defeated single and multiple targets with reduced engagement timelines. The tests validated recent software enhancements for both systems.

The U.S. Army is strengthening its counter-drone defenses with $374.8 million in recent contracts for LIDS equipment and support services. Raytheon has increased production capacity for the Coyote kinetic effector to meet growing demand.

Positive

• Successful demonstration of KuRFS and Coyote systems against complex drone threats
• Validation of software enhancements for improved system performance
• $374.8 million in recent U.S. Army contracts for LIDS equipment and support
• Increased production capacity for Coyote kinetic effector to meet growing demand

Negative

• None.

Insights

Defense Technology Analyst

The successful demonstration of RTX's Raytheon KuRFS and Coyote systems against complex unmanned aerial threats is a significant development in the counter-drone defense sector. The systems' ability to detect, track and defeat both single and swarm drone threats showcases advanced capabilities that are important in modern warfare scenarios.

The U.S. Army's investment of $374.8 million in LIDS contracts underscores the growing market demand for effective counter-drone solutions. This substantial commitment indicates a strong revenue stream for RTX in this segment, potentially boosting investor confidence.

Raytheon's proactive increase in production capacity for the Coyote effector suggests anticipation of further growth in this product line. This strategic move could position RTX favorably to capture a larger market share in the rapidly expanding counter-UAS industry.

For investors, this news signals RTX's strong positioning in a critical defense technology area, with potential for sustained long-term growth as drone threats continue to evolve globally.

U.S. Army tests prove LIDS effectiveness against enemy drones

YUMA PROVING GROUND, Ariz., Oct. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business 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 U.S. Army's annual summer test period. Testing requirements against high-speed, maneuvering targets, the systems tested their essential detect and defeat capabilities as part of the Low, slow, small-unmanned aircraft Integrated Defense System, or LIDS, the Army's go-to counter-drone solution.

The persistent, 360-degree KuRFS radar excelled in a stress test, successfully detecting and tracking 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. 

"These systems were developed to effectively defeat unmanned aircraft systems and designed to easily incorporate updates to outpace this ever-evolving threat," said Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon. "By continuously building on the combat-proven capabilities and performance of both KuRFS and Coyote, ground forces around the globe can gain a significant advantage in the defense against the threat of enemy drones."

KuRFS precision targeting radar and the scaled Ku720-2 XBAEU distributed, mobile sensing radar deliver 360-degree, persistent detection, identification and tracking of airborne threats. The Coyote Block 2 kinetic effector and the Block 3 non-kinetic effector defeated multiple drones varying in size and maneuverability.

The U.S. Army is currently bolstering its counter-drone defenses through a series of recent contracts totaling $374.8 million to equip customers with LIDS. These include a contract that supports a fourth division with systems and support services.

Demand for the combat-proven Coyote kinetic effector has increased. Raytheon has further invested in test equipment and tooling to support and sustain increased capacity ahead of schedule.

About Raytheon
Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and partners defend their national sovereignty and ensure their security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new technologies and enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonics and missile defense across land, air, sea and space.

About RTX
With more than 185,000 global employees, RTX pushes the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2023 sales of $69 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtxs-raytheon-demos-kurfs-and-coyote-performance-against-complex-uas-threats-302274562.html

SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What systems did Raytheon demonstrate for the U.S. Army's counter-drone defense?

Raytheon demonstrated the Ku-band Radio Frequency Sensor (KuRFS) and Coyote™ Block 2 kinetic and Block 3 non-kinetic effectors as part of the Low, slow, small-unmanned aircraft Integrated Defense System (LIDS).

How much has the U.S. Army invested in recent contracts for LIDS equipment?

The U.S. Army has invested $374.8 million in recent contracts for LIDS equipment and support services to bolster its counter-drone defenses.

What capabilities did the KuRFS radar demonstrate during the tests?

The KuRFS radar demonstrated its ability to provide persistent, 360-degree detection, successfully detecting and tracking swarms of unmanned aircraft vehicles during a stress test.

How did the Coyote effectors perform in the U.S. Army tests?

The Coyote Block 2 kinetic and Block 3 non-kinetic effectors successfully defeated single targets and swarms of drones, demonstrating reduced engagement timelines to defeat multiple threats.