Leidos Achieves Milestone with Successful Test Launch of Black Arrow Cruise Missile
In a significant advancement for military technology, Leidos recently completed a successful guided flight test of its Small Cruise Missile (SCM), known as Black Arrow. This achievement took place in November, where the missile was launched from an AC-130J aircraft. The comprehensive test highlighted critical aspects such as aircraft compatibility and system performance, demonstrating the missile's integration with the Naval Surface Warfare Center's Battle Management System (BMS).
The Black Arrow is designed as a low-cost, 200-pound class missile, adaptable for various mission profiles. This guided system allows for both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, setting itself apart in terms of versatility and functionality. The flight test was part of a Collaborative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) involving Leidos, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), and the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
Mark Miller, the Senior Vice President for Missile and Aviation Systems at Leidos, emphasized the importance of this testing phase, stating, "Performing this test from an AC-130 platform while integrating with the BMS allowed aircrews and operators to assess our SCM's operational capabilities."
Col. Justin Bronder from USSOCOM acknowledged the significance of the SCM, noting that it plays a vital role in enhancing AFSOC's long-range operational strategies. Since the initiation of the SCM CRADA in 2022, the need for affordable yet effective strike capabilities has gained momentum in military discussions. Leidos develops the Black Arrow utilizing model-based systems engineering practices, ensuring a swift and efficient pathway to design and implementation. This method adheres strictly to Air Force standards and employs the Weapon Open System Architecture principles laid out by the Air Force Research Laboratory, making the Black Arrow a strong candidate for rapid deployment, should it be called upon.
The missile's launch capabilities are diverse, enabling ejection from a C-130 cargo aircraft using a custom Ramp Launch Tube (RLT), palletized launch, or conventional store release from other fixed-wing aircraft. Moving forward, Leidos has secured a contract with USSOCOM to conduct ongoing test and evaluation activities throughout the remainder of 2025.
With its headquarters in Reston, Virginia, Leidos has positioned itself as a leader in technology and innovation, catering to both government and commercial sectors. The company employs approximately 48,000 individuals globally and reported revenues of around $16.7 billion for the fiscal year concluded on January 3, 2025.
This successful launch not only underscores Leidos's technological advancements but also signifies a pivotal step in meeting the demands of modern warfare. As military operations evolve, systems like the Black Arrow illustrate a future where precision and affordability coexist, paving the way for enhanced defense capabilities.
For more details on Leidos and its innovative projects, visit www.Leidos.com.
The Black Arrow is designed as a low-cost, 200-pound class missile, adaptable for various mission profiles. This guided system allows for both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, setting itself apart in terms of versatility and functionality. The flight test was part of a Collaborative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) involving Leidos, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), and the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
Mark Miller, the Senior Vice President for Missile and Aviation Systems at Leidos, emphasized the importance of this testing phase, stating, "Performing this test from an AC-130 platform while integrating with the BMS allowed aircrews and operators to assess our SCM's operational capabilities."
Col. Justin Bronder from USSOCOM acknowledged the significance of the SCM, noting that it plays a vital role in enhancing AFSOC's long-range operational strategies. Since the initiation of the SCM CRADA in 2022, the need for affordable yet effective strike capabilities has gained momentum in military discussions. Leidos develops the Black Arrow utilizing model-based systems engineering practices, ensuring a swift and efficient pathway to design and implementation. This method adheres strictly to Air Force standards and employs the Weapon Open System Architecture principles laid out by the Air Force Research Laboratory, making the Black Arrow a strong candidate for rapid deployment, should it be called upon.
The missile's launch capabilities are diverse, enabling ejection from a C-130 cargo aircraft using a custom Ramp Launch Tube (RLT), palletized launch, or conventional store release from other fixed-wing aircraft. Moving forward, Leidos has secured a contract with USSOCOM to conduct ongoing test and evaluation activities throughout the remainder of 2025.
With its headquarters in Reston, Virginia, Leidos has positioned itself as a leader in technology and innovation, catering to both government and commercial sectors. The company employs approximately 48,000 individuals globally and reported revenues of around $16.7 billion for the fiscal year concluded on January 3, 2025.
This successful launch not only underscores Leidos's technological advancements but also signifies a pivotal step in meeting the demands of modern warfare. As military operations evolve, systems like the Black Arrow illustrate a future where precision and affordability coexist, paving the way for enhanced defense capabilities.
For more details on Leidos and its innovative projects, visit www.Leidos.com.
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