Aerial Warfare

US Army Deploys Howler Coyote Block 2 Counter-Drone Capability Into the Battlefield

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The U.S. government has cleared Raytheon Company to sell the Coyote Block 2 counter-drone weapon to approved allied nations as part of the Howler counter-drone system. Howler, a name coined by the U.S. Army, combines the capabilities of Raytheon’s Ku band radio frequency system multi-mission simultaneous radar and Coyote® unmanned aircraft system. The KuRFS advanced electronically scanned array acquires and tracks all size UAS threats. Coyote works with KuRFS using its advanced seeker and warhead to identify and eliminate UAS threats.

“Delivering this enhanced version of the combat-proven Coyote strengthens our allies’ defenses against enemy drones,” said Sam Deneke, Raytheon Land Warfare Systems vice president. “Block 2 is fast, effective and protects troops on the battlefield.”

In 2019, the U.S. Army deployed Howler, a combination of the Ku-band Radio Frequency System and Coyote Block 1, into the battlefield. The high-speed, highly maneuverable Block 2 is designed to use Raytheon’s KuRFS multi-mission radar as its fire control source. Raytheon recently completed developmental, operational and customer acceptance testing on the Coyote Block 2 variant. Powered by a jet engine, the new weapon can be launched from the ground to destroy drones and other aerial threats. Raytheon expects to achieve full-rate production of Coyote Block 2 in 2020.

“The KuRFS radar gives soldiers unprecedented vision of individual drones,” said Bryan Rosselli, vice president of Raytheon Mission Systems and Sensors. “The ability to quickly and clearly detect, track and discriminate the threat leads to positive identification, and makes the Coyote all the more precise in its ability to intercept drones.”

Raytheon Company is integrating multiple proven technologies to counter the unmanned aerial system threat across a wide range of scenarios – from commercial airports to forward operating bases to crowded stadiums. Raytheon’s portfolio of sensors, command and control systems, and kinetic and non-kinetic effectors covers all aspects of the UAS threat. Raytheon Company, with 2019 sales of $29 billion and 70,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.

The Coyote Block 2 counter-drone weapon and KuRFS radar worked together to detect and engage a target in a recent test over the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. (Photo: U.S. Army)
The Coyote Block 2 counter-drone weapon and KuRFS radar worked together to detect and engage a target in a recent test over the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. (Photo: U.S. Army)
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