Coyote LE SR: A Breakthrough in Anti-Drone Technology
**The Coyote LE SR system, the latest addition to the Coyote family, has successfully passed rigorous testing. Raytheon, a subsidiary of RTX, has unveiled this new anti-drone variant, showcasing its capabilities in combat environments during a recent helicopter launch at the Nine Mile Training Center. With these successful tests, military units are expected to significantly enhance their abilities to detect, identify, locate, and neutralize airborne threats on the battlefield.**
This new system is designed to seamlessly connect with other sensors and systems in the operational theatre through network-centric warfare. Such connectivity allows the Coyote LE SR to adapt its tactics dynamically, using real-time data to execute missions with greater efficiency and effectiveness. The helicopter launch represents a pivotal moment for the Coyote systems, marking its first deployment from an aerial platform and setting the stage for broader operational capabilities.
Tom Laliberty, President of Raytheon’s Land and Air Defense Systems division, highlighted the significance of the test, stating, “This new variant, built upon the proven capabilities of the original Coyote system in combat, will offer a substantial advantage on the battlefield.” He emphasized that the Coyote LE SR is a cost-effective and adaptable solution that will position troops favorably in the face of evolving threats.
As part of a roadmap to bolster its anti-drone defenses, the Coyote LE SR joins a diverse family of unmanned aerial systems capable of being launched from air, land, and sea. Previous iterations of the Coyote have demonstrated effective results in counter-drone operations, successfully neutralizing hundreds of enemy UAVs. This latest variant is capable of conducting various missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, target detection, electronic warfare, precision strikes, and communication support.
The Coyote systems typically collaborate with Raytheon’s Ku-band Radio Frequency Sensor (KuRFS), which can detect and track small, low-flying unmanned aerial vehicles. This advanced sensor is capable of identifying UAV threats classified as Class 1 from a distance of 16 kilometers, tracking targets as small as 9 millimeters. When integrated with Coyote’s preventive systems, it forms the backbone of the U.S. Army’s Low, Slow, and Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Integrated Destruction System (LIDS).
This unveiling coincides with the introduction of the Coyote Block 2+ anti-drone system, further underscoring Raytheon’s commitment to advancing its technology in the field of UAV defense.
