US tests Coyote LE SR anti-aircraft drone from a helicopter for the first time

The United States has launched the Coyote LE SR jet anti-aircraft drone from a helicopter for the first time. This drone, developed by Raytheon, is designed to combat various types of drones. It can be launched from the air, ground or sea, making it a versatile solution for countering drones.

Here's What We Know

The ability to launch from a helicopter extends the drone's functionality, allowing for reconnaissance, surveillance and electronic warfare directly from the aircraft. The Coyote LE SR's specifications have not yet been disclosed, but the previous anti-aircraft version of the Coyote Block 2 had a range of more than 10 km and a speed of up to 600 km/h

The drone is equipped with a solid-fuel accelerator and a jet engine that is activated after launch. However, this is not the case with the Coyote block 1 version, which has an electric motor and is more similar to the Switchblade. The Coyote series is positioned as an affordable way to fight drones, although the price of some models, such as the Coyote 2C, reaches $125,000.

Previous versions of the Coyote Block 1 and Block 2 served as anti-aircraft drones, destroying targets with high-explosive warheads. The Coyote Block 3 was reusable and used non-kinetic weapons, probably electronic warfare systems.

Instead, the Coyote LE SR has changed its concept - it is designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, electronic warfare, communications and precision target destruction. It is likely to act as a repeater or eliminate targets by direct contact. Thus, the new version of the drone is no longer exclusively anti-aircraft, but has become a multi-purpose platform.

Source: Defence Express