Leidos completes successful test launch of a Small Cruise Missile

Rhea-AI Summary

Leidos has successfully completed a guided flight test of their Small Cruise Missile (SCM), dubbed Black Arrow, from an AC-130J aircraft. The test demonstrated the missile's compatibility, system performance, and integration with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Battle Management System.

The Black Arrow is a 200-lb class mission adaptable delivery platform designed for both kinetic and non-kinetic missions. The test was conducted under a Collaborative Research and Development agreement between Leidos, USSOCOM, and AFSOC.

The missile can be launched through various methods, including from C-130 ramp via custom Ramp Launch Tube, palletized launch, and conventional store release from fixed-wing aircraft. Leidos is currently under contract with USSOCOM to continue test and evaluation activities throughout 2025.

Positive

• Successful completion of guided flight test demonstrates technical capability
• Ongoing contract with USSOCOM for continued testing through 2025
• Multiple launch platform compatibility increases market potential
• Alignment with Air Force architecture standards strengthens competitive position

Negative

• Early development stage with no immediate revenue impact
• Additional testing required before potential full deployment

Insights

Defense Technology Analyst

Leidos has achieved a significant milestone with the successful test launch of their "Black Arrow" Small Cruise Missile (SCM) from an AC-130J aircraft. This successful demonstration validates multiple critical capabilities including aircraft compatibility, guidance systems, and integration with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Battle Management System.

The test represents more than just technical validation—it's a strategic advancement in Leidos' position within the defense sector. The company has now secured a contract with United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to continue test and evaluation activities throughout 2025, establishing a revenue stream and pathway to potential production contracts.

What makes this development particularly valuable is the military's explicit endorsement, with Col. Justin Bronder of USSOCOM describing the SCM as "a key capability, rapidly advancing AFSOC's ability to close long-range kill chains." This level of military backing significantly increases the likelihood of continued funding and eventual procurement.

The Black Arrow's design aligns perfectly with the Pentagon's current priority of "affordable mass"—developing lower-cost weapons that can be deployed in larger quantities. By incorporating Air Force-advocated architecture standards and Weapon Open System Architecture, Leidos has positioned this platform for rapid fielding and potentially accelerated procurement timelines.

For Leidos' defense portfolio, this represents a valuable diversification into sophisticated weapons systems beyond their traditional IT and technical services, potentially opening new revenue streams in the highly-funded strike weapons segment of defense spending.

RESTON, Va., March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos in November successfully completed a guided flight test of their Small Cruise Missile (SCM), known as Black Arrow, from an AC-130J aircraft. The test demonstrated aircraft compatibility, system performance, waypoint uplinks, guidance accuracy as well as integration with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Battle Management System (BMS).

The Black Arrow is a low cost, 200-lb class mission adaptable delivery platform designed to facilitate spiral upgrades for both kinetic and non-kinetic missions. The test was conducted as part of a Collaborative Research and Development (CRADA) agreement between Leidos, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).

"Performing this test from an AC-130 platform while also integrating with the BMS provided aircrews and operators a chance to see how well our SCM worked," said Mark Miller, senior vice president for Missile and Aviation Systems at Leidos.

Speaking at the Special Air Warfare Symposium held at Eglin Air Force Base in March, Col. Justin Bronder, USSOCOM PEO-FW, noted that, "SCM is a key capability, rapidly advancing AFSOC's ability to close long-range kill chains."

Since the SCM CRADA was initiated in 2022, the concept and benefits of affordable mass have become well recognized within the strike weapons community, and Black Arrow is designed to fulfil this need. Leidos is leveraging model-based system engineering practices to support the timely and cost-effective development. Use of Air Force-advocated architecture standards as well as the Air Force Research Laboratory's Weapon Open System Architecture are key design elements.

"Aligning to these stringent standards, while successfully demonstrating this capability from an operational aircraft, places us in a strong position to rapidly field Black Arrow if called upon to do so," Miller said.

The missile is designed to be launched in a variety of methods, including launch ejection from a C-130 (or other cargo utility aircraft) ramp via a custom Ramp Launch Tube (RLT), palletized launch and conventional store release from fixed-wing aircraft.

Leidos is now under contract with USSOCOM to continue test and evaluation activities throughout 2025.

About Leidos
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 48,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.  

Certain statements in this announcement constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not guarantees of future results or occurrences. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the "Risk Factors" set forth in Leidos' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Leidos does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements were made.

Contact:

Mackenzie Hicks (256) 964-4034 shawna.m.hicks@leidos.com

 

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SOURCE Leidos

FAQ

What are the key features of Leidos (LDOS) Black Arrow missile system?

Black Arrow is a 200-lb class Small Cruise Missile designed for multiple launch methods, featuring aircraft compatibility, waypoint uplinks, and integration with Naval Surface Warfare Center Battle Management System.

When did Leidos (LDOS) complete the Black Arrow missile test?

Leidos completed the guided flight test of the Black Arrow missile in November 2024 from an AC-130J aircraft.

What is the current contract status for Leidos (LDOS) Black Arrow program?

Leidos is under contract with USSOCOM to continue test and evaluation activities throughout 2025.

How is Leidos (LDOS) developing the Black Arrow missile system?

Leidos is using model-based system engineering and following Air Force-advocated architecture standards, including the Air Force Research Laboratory's Weapon Open System Architecture.