Coyote Block 3 Non-Kinetic effector during a flight demonstration. Image: Raytheon
GIF Promo

Raytheon’s Coyote Block 3 Non-Kinetic (NK) effector just proved it can take on entire drone swarms at once.

In a recent US Army demo, the counter-drone system showed off its ability to intercept and neutralize drones without a single explosion.

This approach minimizes collateral damage and allows the effector to be recalled or redeployed for follow-on engagements.

Infrared sensor footage shows a Coyote Block 3 Non-Kinetic effector intercepting a target drone. Image: Raytheon

Both kinetic and non-kinetic Coyotes are designed to tackle drones of all sizes, reportedly reaching higher altitudes and longer ranges than comparable systems.

“Coyote provides warfighters a cost-effective defense for individual drones and swarms,” said Tom Laliberty, president of Land & Air Defense Systems at Raytheon. 

“We continue to invest in Coyote’s combat-proven capabilities, ensuring that allies around the globe gain an affordable operational advantage over sophisticated and evolving drone threats.”

The Coyote Block 3 non-kinetic effector is captured in a recovery net during a successful flight test. Image: Raytheon

Expanding Reach

Raytheon recently secured its largest contract to date under the US Army’s Low, Slow, Small-UAS Integrated Defeat System program, covering its Coyote counter-drone systems and associated sensors.

To meet growing demand, the company has ramped up production of its Coyote kinetic variant and introduced performance upgrades.

These enhancements aim for faster launches and greater speeds and reach, enabling the system to counter drones with larger payloads at higher altitudes.

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