US Army Orders 600 Coyote 2C Drone Interceptors Cost $75 Million Amid Middle East Attacks
Defense News ,US :- RTX has secured a $75 million contract from the US Army for the production of 600 Coyote 2C drone interceptors, following a surge in attacks by Iran-backed Houthis against US naval vessels in the Red Sea. The rapid acquisition authority contract aims to address the increased demand for Coyote interceptors and the subsequent need to boost production capacity, as confirmed by the army.
The contract, facilitated under the Office of the Secretary of Defense rapid acquisition authority, was swiftly executed, with all actions completed within 30 days from authorization approval and funding receipt.
Army's Request for Thousands of Coyotes
This development comes on the heels of an army request for information regarding the acquisition of approximately 7,000 Coyotes. The December solicitation outlined the need for 6,000 kinetic Coyotes, 700 non-kinetic Coyotes, 252 fixed launchers, 52 mobile launchers, 118 fixed Ku-band radars, and 33 mobile radars.
While the army intends to award the contract to Raytheon, the original developer of the system, other capable firms expressing interest can also be considered for fulfilling the requirements.
Coyote Specifications and Capabilities
The Coyote 2C Drone Interceptor is a short-range, expendable counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) designed and manufactured by Raytheon. The Coyote, a rocket motor and turbine engine-powered interceptor, operates as a radar-guided air-breathing missile, offering both kinetic and non-kinetic variants. The Coyote 2C, covered under the recent contract, is a kinetic interceptor, while the Coyote 3 is non-kinetic.
This reusable interceptor is adaptable to both fixed and moving integrated counter-drone systems deployed on ground vehicles, helicopters, and surface vessels. Equipped with a Ku-band radio frequency system, the Coyote can be set up in just 30 minutes to track and detect drones, rockets, artillery, and mortars, providing a versatile and efficient solution for countering evolving threats.
- Length: 24 inches (61 cm)
- Wingspan: 58 inches (147 cm)
- Weight: 13 pounds (5.9 kg)
- Speed: Up to 370 mph (595 km/h)
- Range: Up to 6 miles (9.7 km)
- Endurance: Up to 30 minutes
- Warhead: 4-pound (1.8 kg) blast fragmentation warhead
Here are some additional details about the Coyote 2C:
- It is designed to be used against small, slow-moving drones.
- It is relatively inexpensive, which makes it a cost-effective option for counter-drone operations.
- It is easy to deploy and operate, even in austere environments.
