During tests, the complex engaged a swarm of more than 30 unmanned aerial vehicles using the KuRFS radar and the Coyote effector.
Raytheon (RTX) demonstrated the effectiveness of its Small Unmanned Aircraft Defense System (LIDS) during U.S. Army tests over the summer. In this respect reported Defense Blog founder Dylan Malyasov on his page on the social network X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, October 26.
It is known that international allies were also present during these tests, as not only the United States but also other countries of the world showed interest in Raytheon systems. Thus, the US Army is actively using LIDS for protection against drones, and Raytheon has signed a contract to equip two army divisions with this system by October 2022. Contracts were also awarded to increase the number of fixed and mobile LIDS systems to support U.S. Army Central Command and equip the Army’s Third Division.
LIDS tests were successful
During testing, the LIDS defense system successfully dealt with a complex swarm of more than 30 unmanned aerial vehicles in a stress test. The system uses Raytheon’s KuRFS radio frequency sensor and Coyote effectors to detect and engage drones.
“There are other types of counter-UAV configurations, but LIDS is the most reliable in terms of detection, tracking, identification and engagement. But the advantage of Coyote and KuRFS in the LIDS configuration is that they have been extensively tested and field-deployed. The counter-UAV division at Raytheon President Bill Darnay said of the technology: “Conduct military operations and do their jobs.
In LIDS, the Army is integrating Raytheon’s KuRFS and Coyote systems with Northrop Grumman’s Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAADC2) and Syracuse Research Corporation’s electronic warfare system to create an integrated LIDS counter-UAV solution.
What is known about the KuRFS sensor
According to the developers, this multifunctional radar is so sensitive that it can detect a 9mm bullet, false alarms and lost traces are almost non-existent. The radar is capable of fixed (KuRFS) and mobile (Ku720) deployment. KuRFS guidance accuracy allows you to distinguish between real targets and interference.
Coyote Effector Features
Compared to other systems, Coyote is capable of destroying drones at greater ranges and altitudes. Coyote Block 2 kinetic effectors and Block 3 non-kinetic effectors operate single drones and swarms of varying sizes and maneuverability. Coyote effectors are cost-effective, making them a cost-effective tool to combat UAV threats.
Note that LIDS can be used as both mobile and fixed, relocatable platforms. The system can provide permanent installation, facility or field support, or a portable configuration for deployment flexibility.
Let us recall that a little while ago a Ukrainian expert warned soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces about the problems of protection from electronic warfare from Russian drones. The effectiveness of “dome” systems depends on many conditions, so fighters always risk their lives. It can be increased, but then the price will increase significantly.
At the end of July, we wrote about what electronic warfare systems the Ukrainian Armed Forces need against lethal drones. The army in the southern direction needs to start using “portable” electronic warfare systems, since conventional ones are not very effective against FPV drones and can also damage Ukrainian drones. Anti-drone weapons are ineffective against such drones because the drone flies at a speed of 200 km per hour and the operator does not have time to work on it.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.