Test data of the Black Arrow mini-cruise missile, which can be launched from transport aircraft, has been disclosed

The United States is looking for a weapon that was would be cheaper than traditional cruise missiles and which could be launched from their “gunships” AC-130J or transport aircraft

Source: Defence Express

The American company Leidos on its official website revealed information that it is developing a small cruise missile (SCM) called the Black Arrow. or Black Arrow – and that there have already been successful tests, in particular in December 2023, when the missile left the AC-130J aircraft, and as part of another test, the developers checked the integration with the combat control system. In addition, a new series of tests is planned for the fall of this year.

As the company emphasizes, the work on the small cruise missile “Black Arrow” started as early as 2021, and in 2022 an agreement was signed with the US Special Operations Command for joint research and development.

The company positions its small cruise missile as an inexpensive and versatile tool with an open architecture, at the same time to date, the data on the tactical and technical characteristics of this weapon have not been disclosed.

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At the same time, we note that in fact this missile was demonstrated at the US Air Force earlier this year, although without detailing which company is working on its creation – yes, back in May it was reported that the US was making a mini cruise missile similar to the ADM-160 MALD.

This Leidos missile is believed to be part of a competition announced by the US Air Force earlier this year – we are talking about weapons that should have a launch range of about 500 km and cost no more than 150 thousand dollars per missile, compared to the millions of dollars that have to be paid for traditional cruise missiles. Moreover, a sample ready for flight tests should be ready within seven months.

At the same time, the question arises whether such missiles are needed at all, which in practice will have rather small warheads. Yes, you can recall that earlier this year Anduril demonstrated its version of the Barracuda missile family with the concept that it is a cheap long-range weapon with faster production rates and that can be assembled with a screwdriver and a wrench.

It depends. from the version of the missile will have a range of 150 km and up to 900 km, and at the same time the warhead will be quite modest from 16 to 45 kg in the most long-range version.