Raytheon has tested a rocket-powered Coyote interceptor designed to engage drones faster, adding a new motor, seeker, and warhead to its counter-drone weapon.
The three developmental tests covered the Coyote Block 2C+RM, which Raytheon developed in 15 months using company funding. The tests included the first launches of a Coyote equipped with a tactical rocket motor and checks of its integration with existing counter-drone systems.
The new motor replaces the boost-rocket and turbojet arrangement used by the current Block 2C. Raytheon said the change is intended to speed up launch and flight, while an upgraded seeker and warhead are designed to improve the interceptor’s ability to engage newer drone threats.
Coyote is a family of interceptors developed by Raytheon to counter unmanned aircraft systems.
The weapons can work with Raytheon’s Ku-band Radio Frequency System radar and are used in the US Army’s Low, Slow, Small-unmanned aircraft Integrated Defeat System. Existing Coyote variants have intercepted hundreds of drones, according to the company.
Raytheon Expands Coyote Capabilities
The Block 2C+RM is the latest in a series of Coyote upgrades aimed at addressing different drone threats.
In February, Raytheon reported that its Coyote Block 3 Non-Kinetic variant defeated drone swarms during a US Army demonstration.
Rather than destroying targets with a conventional warhead, Block 3NK uses a non-kinetic payload and can be recalled and reused for additional engagements.
Raytheon also produces the kinetic Block 2, which uses a warhead to physically destroy drones. The company said the Coyote family can address targets ranging from individual small drones to larger unmanned aircraft and swarms.