US Successfully Launches Advanced Combat Drone Coyote LE SR from Military Helicopter
The US Armed Forces have conducted a historic first launch of the multifunctional Coyote LE SR drone from a helicopter. This innovative unmanned aerial vehicle from Raytheon opens new possibilities in counter-drone warfare, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare, demonstrating significant progress in military technology development.
New Capabilities and Technical Specifications of Coyote LE SR
The latest Coyote LE SR drone demonstrates significant technological advancement compared to previous versions, expanding combat application capabilities. According to Defence-ua.com, the drone received a universal launch system that allows its use from various platforms – air, ground, and naval carriers.
The technical equipment of Coyote LE SR includes a solid-fuel booster and a jet engine that activates after launch. This significantly distinguishes it from the Block 1 version, which uses an electric motor and more closely resembles a Switchblade-type drone. While the exact characteristics of the new model remain classified, the previous Coyote Block 2 version had impressive specifications – a flight range of over 10 km and speeds up to 600 km/h.
An important feature of the new modification is its multifunctionality. Unlike the previous Block 1 and Block 2 versions, which specialized in target destruction using high-explosive fragmentation warheads, and Block 3, which used non-kinetic means of engagement, Coyote LE SR offers an expanded set of capabilities:
- Reconnaissance and surveillance
- Target acquisition and identification
- Electronic warfare capabilities
- Communication relay functionality
- Precision strike capabilities
Although the cost of some Coyote series modifications, such as the 2C model, can reach 125 thousand dollars, the system is positioned as a cost-effective solution for counter-drone warfare. The versatility and enhanced combat capabilities make Coyote LE SR a powerful tool in the modern US military arsenal.
The successful testing of Coyote LE SR demonstrates significant progress in the development of counter-drone technologies and opens new possibilities for modern US military capabilities. The drone’s versatility and multifunctionality make it a powerful tool in modern military strategy.
