Anduril Industries has unveiled a new autonomous attack drone capable of executing precision strike missions without requiring specialized operators.
Dubbed the Bolt-M, the loitering munition assists human operators in identifying targets, tracking hostile movements, and deciding how and when to effectively engage.
It can be armed with a warhead weighing up to three pounds (1.4 kilograms), delivering devastating effects against both moving and static ground-based targets.
Unlike traditional first-person view (FPV) drones that require highly-skilled operators, the Bolt-M offers user-friendly operation through a simple touchscreen interface.
It can also be unpacked and launched in less than five minutes, providing warfighters with rapid access to precision firepower whenever needed.
“Bolt M’s mountable ground control station is optimized for usability,” Anduril stated. “[It] is purpose-built for safety, reliability, and ease of operation, enabling warfighters to focus on the mission at hand.”
Performance, Firepower, and Safety Features
The Bolt-M leverages commercial off-the-shelf technologies to reduce costs and enhance production capacity.
It features a high-resolution camera that allows operators to toggle between electro-optical and infrared modes, depending on mission requirements.
The drone also includes a simple payload interface for seamless swapping between anti-personnel and anti-materiel warheads.
For safety, the Bolt-M employs an electronic device to safely disarm the munition during transport, return to base, or redeployment.
According to Anduril, the platform can remain airborne for more than 40 minutes and travel for up to 20 kilometers (12.4 miles), extending the reach of dismounted forces.
Lattice-Enabled
The Bolt-M utilizes Anduril’s innovative Lattice software, which filters high-value information using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced data processing techniques.
Such a capability allows the loitering munition to react swiftly to data for more precise tracking and neutralization of targets.
Once a target is identified through Lattice, an operator can select a standoff position for the suicide drone to maintain, keeping it beyond the target’s visual or acoustic detection range.
An engagement angle can also be specified to ensure the most effective strike.
Additionally, the Bolt-M’s onboard vision and guidance algorithms enable it to maintain terminal guidance even if connectivity with the operator is lost.