RTX's Raytheon launches new Coyote variant from helicopter

Rhea-AI Summary

RTX's Raytheon business has successfully tested a new variant of its Coyote unmanned aerial system, launching it from a helicopter at Nine Mile Training Center. The new variant, called Coyote LE SR, expands upon the platform's proven counter-drone capabilities, where it has already intercepted hundreds of drones in combat.

The system is designed for 'launched-effects' programs and can be deployed from air, ground, or sea platforms. Key capabilities include reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, electronic warfare, precision strike, and communications. The Coyote LE SR features collaborative autonomy, enabling it to interact with nearby sensors and systems to optimize mission performance based on real-time battlefield data.

Additional testing of the Coyote LE SR will continue throughout 2025, marking a significant expansion of the platform's operational capabilities.

Positive

• Successfully demonstrated new military capability with helicopter launch test
• Proven combat effectiveness with hundreds of successful drone interceptions
• System offers multiple mission capabilities including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and precision strike
• Features advanced collaborative autonomy for improved battlefield performance

Negative

• Additional testing required throughout 2025 before full deployment

New variant designed for "launched-effects" programs builds off Coyote's battlefield success

TUCSON, Ariz., March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, fired a new version of the company's combat-proven Coyote® family of products from a helicopter during a recent test at Nine Mile Training Center, giving military forces a new capability to detect, identify, locate and defeat threats on the battlefield.

The new variant, Coyote LE SR, is part of a line of unmanned aerial systems called launched effects, which are fired from the air, ground, or sea and can perform a variety of missions. Previous variants have been used with significant success in combat as a counter-drone system; Coyote has successfully intercepted hundreds of drones. This new variant can perform reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition; electronic warfare; precision strike; and communications.

"Building on Coyote's combat-proven capabilities, this new variant will provide a significant battlefield advantage," said Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon. "The Coyote LE SR is a low-cost, flexible system that equips troops with a new tool to outpace constantly evolving threats."

Coyote LE SR uses collaborative autonomy allowing it to connect with other nearby sensors and systems to adjust its tactics and more efficiently and effectively achieve mission objectives based on real-time battlefield insights. 

This test marked the first Coyote launch from a helicopter and is one of many demonstrations of Coyote's capabilities, expanding upon previous successful tests. Additional tests of Coyote LE SR will be held throughout 2025. Click here to learn more about the Coyote family of products.

About Raytheon
Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and partners defend their national sovereignty and ensure their security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new technologies and enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonics and missile defense across land, air, sea and space. 

About RTX
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 185,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2024 sales of more than $80 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com.

 

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SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What are the key capabilities of RTX's new Coyote LE SR variant?

The Coyote LE SR can perform reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, electronic warfare, precision strike, and communications, with collaborative autonomy features for real-time battlefield adaptation.

How many drones has RTX's Coyote system successfully intercepted in combat?

According to RTX, the Coyote system has successfully intercepted hundreds of drones in combat operations.

When will RTX complete testing of the new Coyote LE SR variant?

Additional tests of the Coyote LE SR will be conducted throughout 2025.

What platforms can launch RTX's new Coyote LE SR system?

The Coyote LE SR can be launched from air (including helicopters), ground, or sea platforms.