Advanced Multilayered Mobile Force Protection Excels at MFIX Demo

Rhea-AI Summary

Leidos and the U.S. Army demonstrated the successful operation of its Counter-small Unmanned Aerial System at the MFIX 2024 event. The AM2FP team correctly tracked and identified 100% of the threats in the presence of clutter, with no false negatives or positives. The system was the only one capable of tracking and identifying threats while operating on the move. Leidos' work began under the DARPA Mobile Force Protection program, developing capabilities to defeat unauthorized drone intrusions and created the Co-axial Unmanned Guided Autonomous Rotorcraft to defeat sUAS threats. The current contract for upgrades is managed by the U.S. Army DEVCOM AvMC at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.

Positive

• Successful demonstration of the AM2FP system at MFIX 2024
• Improved performance and integration with the Army's FAAD C2 architecture
• Innovations in radar performance and threat discrimination were validated
• Development of capabilities to defeat unauthorized drone intrusions
• Creation of the Co-axial Unmanned Guided Autonomous Rotorcraft to defeat sUAS threats

Negative

• No negative aspects were identified in the press release.

Defense Technology Analyst

The recent demonstration of the Counter-small Unmanned Aerial System (C-sUAS) by Leidos in collaboration with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command signifies a notable advancement in defense technology. The AM2FP system's ability to track and identify 100 percent of threats without false readings is a significant milestone in threat detection and response capabilities. This technology enhances the military's ability to protect against the increasing threat of drone swarms, which are becoming more prevalent in modern warfare.

The integration of the AM2FP system with the Army's Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) architecture also indicates a strategic move towards a more network-centric warfare approach. This integration allows for real-time data sharing and coordinated defense responses, which are crucial in a rapidly evolving combat environment. The successful demonstration could lead to increased demand for Leidos's defense solutions, potentially impacting the company's contracts and revenue streams.

Military Procurement Specialist

The demonstration at the Maneuver and Fires Integration Experiment (MFIX) 2024 serves as an essential validation for Leidos's AM2FP system, likely influencing future procurement decisions by the U.S. Army and Department of Defense. The ability of the system to operate autonomously and on-the-move aligns with the military's objective to modernize its capabilities with agile and adaptive technologies. The emphasis on minimizing collateral damage while effectively neutralizing threats aligns with the ethical and strategic objectives of modern military operations.

Given the successful demonstration, the U.S. Army may expedite the procurement process for the AM2FP system to maintain a technological edge. This could result in significant investments and long-term contracts for Leidos, which would be a substantial driver for the company's growth within the defense sector. The focus on multi-layer defense architecture and the development of reusable interceptors like the CUGAR highlights an industry trend towards sustainable and cost-effective defense solutions.

Financial Analyst

Leidos's involvement in the DARPA Mobile Force Protection (MFP) program and the subsequent demonstration of its AM2FP system represent a strategic investment in R&D that could have a positive impact on the company's financials. The successful operation of the C-sUAS technology and its potential adoption by the U.S. Army and Department of Defense could lead to significant revenue through defense contracts. The stock market typically responds favorably to such developments, as they imply future earnings potential and increased market share.

Investors should monitor the progress of the AM2FP system's integration with existing military systems and subsequent contracts awarded to Leidos. The company's expertise in radar performance and threat discrimination, as demonstrated, could position it as a leader in the defense technology market. However, it is crucial to consider the competitive landscape and the possibility of rival solutions that could affect Leidos's market position. Long-term financial implications hinge on the company's ability to secure contracts and deliver on the technological promise shown in the MFIX 2024.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Jan. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Aviation and Missile Center's (AvMC's) Advanced Multilayered Mobile Force Protection (AM2FP) team demonstrated the successful operation of its Counter - small Unmanned Aerial System (C-sUAS) at the Maneuver and Fires Integration Experiment (MFIX) 2024. The AM2FP correctly tracked and identified 100 percent of the presented threats in the presence of clutter.  No false negatives or positives were generated by the system during the MFIX flight tests. The AM2FP was the only C-sUAS system that demonstrated tracking and identification of single threats and swarms while operating on the move.

"This is an incredible achievement for our team," said Leidos Dynetics President Steve Cook. "As the only system in the MFIX capable of autonomously tracking and correctly identifying while moving, we are providing a unique advantage to our customers.  While we're still evaluating all results from the demonstration, the exercise validated our research and ability to deliver new advantages on current and future battlefields."

The MFIX 2024 event brought together customers from the U.S. Army and Department of Defense to showcase new advancements and performance improvements in the C-UAS field. The AM2FP team improved its performance from last year's demonstration while also highlighting an additional integration with the Army's Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) architecture. Significant innovations in radar performance and threat discrimination were also validated using targets and design reference missions provided by the Government.

During the Distinguished Visitor Day, the AM2FP team demonstrated multi-threat autonomous engagements and defeats. Simultaneously, radar and weapon status were reported to the FAAD C2 system.

"It was an honor to share our capabilities and the art of the possible with these distinguished visitors," Cook said. "Our success further highlights the need for future investment while maintaining our lead in the latest technological innovations."

Leidos' AM2FP work began under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Mobile Force Protection (MFP) program. The program featured a multi-layer defense architecture to defeat unauthorized drone intrusions over fixed-base military installations and on-the-move operations. To meet this need, Leidos developed several capabilities, including the Multifunction X-Band Radar (MXR), an X-Band Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and a system deploying two types of reusable interceptors. The AM2FP system was designed to autonomously track and disable enemy sUAS while minimizing the risk of collateral damage even in challenging and complex scenarios.  Leidos also created the Co-axial Unmanned Guided Autonomous Rotorcraft (CUGAR). This highly reusable, low cost, low regret, low collateral, autonomous interceptor demonstrated the defeat of Group 1 and 2 sUAS threats.

The current contract for upgrades to the MXR sensor, CUGAR interceptor and the C2 system is managed by the U.S. Army DEVCOM AvMC Radar Operations Facility (ROF) at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. The U.S. Army DEVCOM AvMC provides increased responsiveness to the nation's Warfighters through aviation and missile capabilities and life cycle engineering solutions.

About Leidos

Leidos is a Fortune 500® innovation company rapidly addressing the world's most vexing challenges in national security and health. The company's 47,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $14.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Media Contacts:
Alyssa Pettus
External Communications Director
Alyssa.t.pettus@leidos.com

Mackenzie Hicks
Communications Specialist
Shawna.m.hicks@leidos.com

 

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SOURCE Leidos

FAQ

What was demonstrated at the MFIX 2024 event?

The successful operation of the Counter-small Unmanned Aerial System by Leidos and the U.S. Army was demonstrated at the MFIX 2024 event.

What percentage of threats were correctly tracked and identified by the AM2FP team?

The AM2FP team correctly tracked and identified 100% of the threats presented at the MFIX 2024 event.

What innovations were highlighted by the AM2FP team?

The team highlighted significant innovations in radar performance and threat discrimination during the MFIX 2024 event.

What is the purpose of the DARPA Mobile Force Protection program?

The program aims to develop capabilities to defeat unauthorized drone intrusions.

Where is the current contract for upgrades managed?

The current contract for upgrades is managed by the U.S. Army DEVCOM AvMC at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.