Raytheon Coyote#C-UAS

A company named Advanced Ceramic Research of Tucson, Arizona, originally developed the Coyote, Manta and Silver Fox UAS under small business contracts from the U.S. Office of Naval Research. British defense contractor BAE Systems acquired the company in 2009, then sold it back to one of the former owners under the name Sensintel. Raytheon acquired Sensintel in 2015 and folded the company into its Tucson-based Raytheon Missiles & Defense business.{{cite web|url=http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/2016-01-20-Raytheons-enhanced-Coyote-UAV-flies-into-hurricanes-for-NOAA|title=Raytheon's enhanced Coyote UAV flies into hurricanes for NOAA|accessdate=2017-09-24|publisher=Raytheon|date=20 January 2016}}[https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2017-06-17/raytheon-further-develops-multi-mission-coyote-uas Raytheon Further Develops Multi-Mission Coyote UAS]. Aviation International News. 17 June 2017.

The Coyote first flew in 2007 while still under ACR development, being launched from a Beechcraft C-12 Huron.{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bae-systems-coyote-uav-flies-337417/|title=BAE Systems' Coyote UAV flies|accessdate=2017-09-25|publisher=Flight Global|date=21 January 2010}}

The U.S. Army developed the Coyote with a counter unmanned air system (C-UAS) capability to intercept other small UAVs. The Coyote Anti-UAS is {{cvt|600|mm|order=flip}} long with a {{cvt|1473|mm|order=flip}} wingspan and is launched from a pneumatic box launcher with a maximum speed of {{cvt|130|km/h|order=flip}}. It weighs {{cvt|13|lb}} and delivers a kinetic effect by crashing into enemy drones or exploding near them and dispersing blast fragments from its {{cvt|4|lb}} warhead.[https://www.realcleardefense.com/2017/01/16/army_and_air_force039s_coyote_uav_for_isr_and_offensive_roles_289466.html Army and Air Force's Coyote UAV for ISR and Offensive Roles]. Real Clear Defense. 16 January 2017.[https://www.army.mil/article/202944/armys_air_missile_defense_countering_uas_threat_in_multiple_ways Army's air, missile defense countering UAS threat in multiple ways]. Army.mil. 29 March 2018.[https://www.edrmagazine.eu/raytheon-c-uas-capabilities-move-to-the-next-level Raytheon: C-UAS capabilities move to the next level]. European Defence Review. 17 September 2019. By 2018, the U.S. Marine Corps was deploying a C-UAS that had been in development for two years. The Ground-Based Air Defense (GBAD) Counter-UAS system consists of the RPS-42 S-band radar, the Modi electronic warfare system, visual sensors and the Coyote anti-drone UAV to detect, track and destroy hostile drones. The system can operate out of a forward operating base or from vehicles such as an M-ATV or a pair of MRZR off-road vehicles.[https://news.usni.org/2018/06/04/marines-forward-deploy-portable-drone-killing-system Marines Forward-Deploy Portable Drone-Killing System]. USNI News. 4 June 2018. In July 2018, Raytheon announced the Army had awarded it a contract to deliver the Coyote for C-UAS missions, with deliveries starting by the end of the year. The Coyote Block 1B is equipped with a radio-frequency seeker and proximity warhead working in conjunction with Raytheon’s Ku band radio frequency system (KuRFS) radar to intercept Class I and II drones;[https://www.military.com/defensetech/2018/07/17/army-buy-raytheons-coyote-expendable-uas-drone-killing-mission.html Army to Buy Raytheon's Coyote Expendable UAS for Drone-Killing Mission]. Defense Tech. 17 July 2018.[http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2018/7/17/raytheon-to-provide-army-with-drones-for-killing-other-drones Raytheon to Provide Army with Drones for Killing Other Unmanned Systems]. National Defense Magazine. 17 July 2018.[https://breakingdefense.com/2018/07/46483/ Army, Navy Buy Raytheon’s Coyote Drone Weapon]. Breaking Defense. 17 July 2018. the KuRFS can detect Class I UAS out to {{cvt|16|km|order=flip}} and can even detect objects as small as a 9 mm bullet.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=1 December 2022|title=US approves FS-LIDS counter-UAV system for Qatar|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-approves-fs-lids-counter-uav-system-for-qatar|access-date=|website=Janes Information Services|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204194917/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-approves-fs-lids-counter-uav-system-for-qatar|archive-date=4 December 2022|url-status=live}} In June 2019, the Coyote-KRFS radar system, dubbed Howler C-UAS, achieved Initial Operational Capability with the U.S. Army after just 17 months of development.[https://www.uasvision.com/2019/06/20/us-army-deploys-howler-c-uas-sytem-into-battlefield/ US Army Deploys Howler C-UAS System into Battlefield]. UAS Vision. 20 June 2019.

File:Raytheon Coyote Block 2 at IDEX 2025.jpg

Raytheon then developed a Block 2 variant equipped with a jet engine, improving speed and loiter time to engage larger and further targets. The Coyote Block 2 features improved sensors and a turbine engine to increase speed to {{cvt|555-595|km/h|order=flip}}.[https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/01/24/how-defeat-drone-attack-raytheon-shows-new-tech-tabletop-exercise.html How to Defeat a Drone Attack: Raytheon Shows Off New Tech in Tabletop Exercise]. Military.com. 24 January 2020.[https://www.armadainternational.com/2020/07/c-uas-strikes-back/ C-UAS Strikes Back]. Armada International. 30 July 2020. On 17 March 2020, Raytheon was cleared to sell the Coyote Block 2 interceptor as part of the Howler system after entering U.S. military service. Leveraging commercial off-the-shelf components, the interceptor is cheap enough to be used against large drone swarms. Four control fins pop out around the tail to make it maneuverable enough to close in on evading targets. It is fitted with a warhead producing a fragment field of small, fast-moving shrapnel optimized to destroy small drones.[https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/coyote-block-2-counter-drone-weapon-approved-for-international-sales-301025664.html Coyote Block 2 counter-drone weapon approved for international sales]. PRNewswire. 17 March 2020.[https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2020/05/07/raytheon-coyote-drone-jet-powered-interceptor/?sh=4270ec848852 See Raytheon’s Jet-Powered Interceptor Drone In Action]. Forbes. 7 May 2020. Using a rocket booster with a turbine sustainment motor, it can engage threats at ranges of {{cvt|10-15|km}}, and can even re-attack if it misses on the first pass.[https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2022-07-19/raytheon-establish-laser-integration-center-uk Raytheon To Establish Laser Integration Center in UK]. Aviation International News. 19 July 2022. It has a loitering with re-engagement capability and is able to remain airborne for up to four minutes.[https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2024_global_security_army_industry/wds_2024_raytheon_showcases_coyote_block_2_kinetic_effector_for_c-uas.html WDS 2024: Raytheon showcases Coyote Block 2+ kinetic effector for C-UAS]. Army Recognition. 5 February 2024.

In November 2022, the U.S. approved the sale of 10 Fixed Site-Low, Slow, Small UAV Integrated Defeat Systems (FS-LIDS) to Qatar in a $1 billion deal. A system includes the AN/TPQ-50 counterfire radar and electro-optic cameras to detect and track small UAVs and engages them with EW or interceptors; the sale includes 200 Coyote Block 2s.[https://breakingdefense.com/2022/12/us-approves-potential-1-billion-counter-drone-tech-sale-to-qatar/ US approves potential $1 billion counter-drone tech sale to Qatar]. Breaking Defense. 1 December 2022.

In January 2024 RTX Corporation was awarded a {{USD}}75 million U.S. Army contract to produce 600 Coyote 2C Interceptors for C-UAS use.{{cite news |title=Army announces rapid acquisition authority contract for Coyote Interceptors |url=https://www.army.mil/article/273625/army_announces_rapid_acquisition_authority_contract_for_coyote_interceptors |access-date=17 November 2024 |work=www.army.mil |date=9 February 2024 |language=en}}

On 28 February 2021, Raytheon received a contract from the U.S. Navy for the Coyote Block 3 to provide an ISR and strike capability when launched from unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).[https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2021/march/9754-raytheon-is-awarded-a-contract-with-office-of-naval-research.html Raytheon is awarded a contract with Office of Naval Research]. Navy Recognition. 1 March 2021. Raytheon announced in August 2021 that a demonstration of the Block 3 in an air intercept test had used a non-kinetic warhead to defeat a swarm of 10 drones. This type of payload reduces potential collateral damage and enables the variant to be recovered and reused.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Robin |date=2 September 2021 |title=Coyote Block 3NK demonstrates swarming drone defeat |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/coyote-block-3nk-demonstrates-swarming-drone-defeat_20020 |url-status=live |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=Janes.com}} The Block 3 Coyote was originally intended to have a more traditional UAV design with wings and an electric motor similar to the original Coyote Block 1, but bigger in size.[https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/43799/this-footage-of-jet-powered-coyote-drones-obliterating-other-drones-is-incredible This Footage Of Jet-Powered Coyote Drones Obliterating Other Drones Is Incredible]. The Drive/The War Zone. 10 January 2022. By 2025 Coyote Block 3 had been renamed Coyote Launched Effect Short Range (Coyote LE SR), initially referred to by the Army only as a "670".

In March 2025, RTX successfully test-fired a Coyote LE SR from an unmodified M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle's TOW missile launcher, as well as from a Modular Effects Launcher rack mounted on a Bell 407 helicopter in a separate test.{{Cite web |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |date=2025-04-14 |title=Mysterious Weapon Fired From M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle Identified |url=https://www.twz.com/land/mysterious-weapon-fired-from-m2-bradley-fighting-vehicle-identified |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=The War Zone |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=RTX's Raytheon launches new Coyote variant from helicopter |url=https://www.rtx.com/news/news-center/2025/03/26/rtxs-raytheon-launches-new-coyote-variant-from-helicopter |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=United Technologies |language=en}} Compared to the original Coyote Block 3 design, the TOW-launched version had been redesigned without visible wings or strakes, instead featuring new triple pop-out grid fins at the rear and no other visible control surfaces. Dropping any mentions of the Coyote Block 3's anti-air capabilities, the Coyote LE SR is marketed as a multi-launch platform, recoverable, reusable system that can be configured for surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic warfare, signal relay, or as a one-way munition in the form of a suicide drone.

The Coyote is launched from a NOAA P-3 Hurricane Hunter aircraft, and provides NOAA hurricane forecasters with real-time data on atmospheric air pressure, temperature, moisture, wind speed and direction as well as surface temperature. The Coyote collects this essential data at altitudes too low for manned aircraft to safely navigate in the hurricane environment.{{cite web|url=http://research.noaa.gov/InDepth/Features/CurrentFeature/TabId/728/ArtMID/1884/ArticleID/11569/NOAA-and-Raytheon-improve-unmanned-aircraft-to-collect-hurricane-weather-data.aspx|title=NOAA and Raytheon improve unmanned aircraft to collect hurricane weather data|accessdate=2017-09-24|date=12 January 2016|publisher=NOAA}} Its first operational deployment was an investigation of Hurricane Edouard on 16 September 2014.{{cite web|url=https://swfsc.noaa.gov/uploadedFiles/Events/Meetings/UAS_2016/Presentation/Cione_UAS_SD2.pdf|title=The Coyote Unmanned Aircraft System|accessdate=2017-09-24|date=25 October 2016|publisher=NOAA|author=Joseph J. Cione}}

In December 2023, the U.S. Army disclosed plans to purchase 6,700 Coyote interceptors from 2025-2029 for the Mobile-Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (M-LIDS) and FS-LIDS, as well as associated launch platforms and radars. 6,000 jet-powered radar-guided Coyote Blocks 2s will be procured costing an estimated $100,000 each, while 700 electric motor-driven pusher propeller Block 3s will be bought which uses an unspecified non-kinetic payload (likely an electronic warfare system or high-power directed energy weapon) which enables it to be recovered and refurbished for reuse. The M-LIDS configuration consists of one M-ATV with a turret with electro-optical sensors to spot and track incoming drones and armed with a two-round Coyote launcher and a 30 mm XM914 automatic cannon as well as a mast-mounted Ku-band radar, and a second M-ATV equipped with additional sensors and EW capabilities. The FS-LIDS is a palletized system, with one having a four-round Coyote launcher and sensor array, and the other with a larger and more capable Ku-band radar.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=27 December 2023|title=US Army details acquisition plans for Coyote C-UAS capability|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-army-details-acquisition-plans-for-coyote-c-uas-capability|access-date=|website=Janes Information Services|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229060201/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-army-details-acquisition-plans-for-coyote-c-uas-capability|archive-date=29 December 2023|url-status=live}}[https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/drastic-increase-in-army-coyote-drone-interceptor-purchase-plans Drastic Increase In Army Coyote Drone Interceptor Purchase Plans]. The Drive/The War Zone. 20 December 2023.

File:Joe cione and coyote uas in noaa aircraft operation center credit- noaa.jpg

{{Airspecs}}

• Airspeed: {{convert|55|kn|km/h}} cruise, {{convert|70|kn|km/h}} kts dash
• Deployment altitude: up to {{convert|30,000|ft|m}} MSL (in non-icing conditions)
• Comms range: {{convert|50|nmi|km}} (May 2016); {{convert|70|nmi|km}} (ground test October 2016)
• Endurance: 1 hr+ @ cruise (May 2016); 2h (2017)
• Weight: {{convert|13|lb|kg}}
• Length: {{convert|36|in|m}}{{cite web|url=http://www.uavglobal.com/sensintel-coyote/|title=BAE Systems/Sensintel Coyote|accessdate=2017-09-24|publisher=UAVGlobal}}
• Wingspan: {{convert|58|in|m}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commonscat|Raytheon Coyote}}

• [https://www.rtx.com/raytheon/what-we-do/integrated-air-and-missile-defense/coyote Raytheon Coyote UAS webpage]

{{Raytheon}}

Category:Raytheon Company products

Category:Unmanned aerial vehicles of the United States

Category:Counter unmanned air systems

Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2010s