Raytheon demonstrates M-LIDS Coyote Block 2+ counter UAS Unmanned Aerial System weapon station
According to a video released by Raytheon Technologies on January 7, 2022, in partnership with the U.S. Army’s Integrated Fires and Rapid Capabilities Office, Raytheon Missiles & Defense successfully showcased several counter-unmanned aircraft system capabilities during the service’s 10-day summer test period including the M-LIDS fitted with the Coyote Block 2+ counter UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) weapon system.
During the event, American company Raytheon has conducted live firing tests with the Coyote Block 2+ with KRFS (Ku-band Radio Frequency System) radar mounted on M-ATV 4×4 armored vehicle, as part of Fixed Site and Mobile LIDS (Mobile-Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Integrated Defeat System) for counter UAS (Unmanned Aerial System).
The M-LIDS is a mobile counter-UAS solution based on the M-ATV armored vehicle fitted with a weapon station equipped with a Coyote container launcher unit able to launch counter unmanned air system (C-UAS) capability to intercept other small UAVs. The turret also includes one 30x113mm XM914 chain gun and one 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.
The tests used Coyote® interceptor variants with the KuRFS precision targeting radar and the Ku-720 mobile sensing radar, to detect and defeat all drone swarms varying in size and range.
The Coyote Block 2 is a rail-launched surface-to-air missile (SAM) being developed for the US Army through the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA). The U.S. Army has selected the Coyote drone for a near-term counter-UAS solution. Equipped with an advanced seeker and warhead, the Coyote-enabled system can successfully identify and eliminate threat UAVs.
The Coyote can be deployed from the ground, air, or a ship. The Coyote UAS can be flown individually or netted together in swarms, and it is adaptable for a variety of missions including surveillance, electronic warfare, and strike. The system will operate for up to one hour and is designed for interchangeable payloads.
The Coyote Block 2+ with KRFS (Ku-band Radio Frequency System) radar and the Ku-720 mobile sensing radar, is able to detect and defeat all drone swarms varying in size and range. Working in conjunction with the Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control, the KuRFS family of sensors provides a local integrated air picture, assuring manned aircraft safety of flight throughout all Coyote interceptor engagements.
The Ku-720 radar is a scaled version of KuRFS, specifically designed for highly mobile operations. The radar reduces the size, weight and cost of the currently deployed KuRFS, while retaining its same proven technology for surveillance, threat detection, identification, and tracking.