US Army Successfully Launches Altius 700 Drone from Black Hawk Helicopte

Defense News ,U.S :- The Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Project Management Office, in collaboration with the U.S. Special Operations Command, has successfully conducted a groundbreaking flight demonstration. This event showcased the inaugural launch of the Air-Launched, Tube-Integrated Unmanned System, known as the Altius 700 air vehicle, at Fort Campbell on December 3. This achievement represents a significant milestone in the Army Launched Effects program.

During the demonstration, a Black Hawk served as the launch platform, marking a crucial step in mitigating risks for the upcoming Altius 700 test flights. The development of this system as an air vehicle solution addresses the size, weight, and power requirements outlined in the approved Launched Effects Abbreviated Capabilities Development Document from May 2020.

The Launched Effects program aims to provide the Army with a critical capability through advanced collaboration between crewed and uncrewed systems. This collaboration enhances the ability to detect, identify, locate, and report potential threats in contested environments. The transformational capabilities of launched effects in large-scale combat operations empower corps, division, and joint commanders with effective and timely targeting, facilitating precise fires and effects at the required time and location.

The recent two-flight demonstration generated positive data that validates the Altius 700 performance capabilities across all operational phases, including launch, flight, landing, and recovery. The insights gained from this demonstration are crucial for refining the system design and operational procedures in preparation for the upcoming test flights.

Looking ahead, the first test flight of the fully integrated Launched Effects prototype is scheduled for early 2024. This test will showcase the prototype performance with payloads and mission systems controlled by the scalable control interface software. Subsequent testing will follow, leading up to a final operational demonstration by the end of fiscal year 2024. The rapid fielding decision for the Launched Effects prototype is slated for 2025, signaling a significant leap forward in the Army unmanned aviation capabilities.