Leidos has introduced its new Black Arrow small cruise missile designed to offer improved adaptability and utility for warfighters.
Marketed as a “low-cost, mission-adaptable” system, the weapon can support both kinetic and non-kinetic missions.
It leverages the company’s expertise in producing small glide munitions, such as the GBU-69, by employing model-based systems engineering, additive manufacturing, and artificial intelligence optimization practices.
“The [missile] is envisioned as a service-common ‘bus’ capable of being launched from a ramp, via a pallet, or conventional means,” a Leidos spokesperson stated.
The company did not disclose specific technical details about the new weapon, including its weight, speed, and range.
Recent Testing
Leidos announced that the Black Arrow recently completed captive carry and store safe separation flight tests on an AC-130J Ghostrider aircraft.
The tests reportedly demonstrated the weapon’s ability to separate from its launcher.
It also validated its trajectory characteristics, operational flight software functions, navigation performance, and flight safety system functionality.
Following the successful separation tests, Leidos stated that the small cruise missile is now ready for guided flight tests this fall.
“Our experience in rapidly fielding the GBU-69 small glide munition and demonstrating the DARPA X-61 Gremlins, as well as our focus on agility and innovation, have led to achieving important milestones with our small cruise missile offering,” Vice President for Missile and Aviation Solutions Mark Miller noted.