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Cummings Aerospace's Hellhound S3 Kamikaze Drone Completes Its First Flight

In a remarkable stride for military drone technology, Cummings Aerospace has successfully completed the first flight of its turbojet-powered, 3D-printed kamikaze drone, known as the Hellhound S3. The testing took place during the Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE) 2025, held on U.S. Army test ranges, where the drone proved its operational effectiveness.

Speed and Capabilities

The Hellhound S3 is not just another unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV); it boasts an impressive speed exceeding 375 mph. This capability positions it to significantly enhance the capability of the U.S. Army's Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs), paralleling the combat efficiency traditionally associated with armored brigades. The drone is engineered to execute precise, long-range strikes against high-value targets such as tanks, armored vehicles, and fortified positions, all while minimizing collateral damage.

Sheila Cummings, CEO of Cummings Aerospace, emphasized the importance of speed in combat situations, stating, "While quadcopters and prop-driven drones will still be lagging behind, Hellhound will already be over the target area." This speed provides Soldiers with the crucial advantage of striking swiftly and effectively before adversaries can react.

Demonstration and Feedback

During the AEWE 2025 demonstration, the Hellhound met all primary mission objectives with a tactical mock mission that utilized an inert warhead payload. The results allowed Cummings Aerospace engineers to gather invaluable feedback from warfighters, facilitating ongoing refinements to the drone's systems and operations. The successful flight revalidated the airframe and essential subsystems, confirming their readiness for operational deployment in real-world conditions.

Building on Previous Tests

The Hellhound S3's recent flight builds upon a heritage of extensive development. Over the previous two years, 12 flight tests demonstrated the foundational capabilities of the Hellhound airframe. Powered by a turbojet engine, the Hellhound S3 achieved a significant test speed of 384 mph earlier this year, showcasing its prowess in rapid responses to emerging threats.

Cost-Effective and Portable

Utilizing 3D printing technology and U.S. Department of Defense-approved commercial components, the Hellhound S3 is designed to be affordable. This approach not only reduces production costs but also simplifies logistics, making the deployment of these advanced systems more viable for operational units.
Moreover, the entire system—including the vehicle, launch canister, and ground control system—weights under 25 pounds, ensuring it can be man-portable and easily deployable by individual Soldiers. The design also allows for quick payload swaps within five minutes, enhancing mission flexibility without the need for tools.

Future Prospects and Scalability

As Cummings Aerospace looks to the future, additional flight tests are planned to elevate the Hellhound S3 to Technology Readiness Level 7 (TRL-7). A proposal will also be submitted to the U.S. Army's Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program, which will further the drone’s integration within military operations.
The modular design of the Hellhound ensures that it can adapt to diverse mission profiles and payloads, from traditional strike capabilities to advanced functions like Electronic Warfare or Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations. This versatility signifies its suitability for not only IBCTs but potentially other military branches and allied forces as well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Hellhound S3 represents a significant advancement in military technology, combining speed, adaptability, and operational effectiveness. With its successful first flight, Cummings Aerospace is poised to redefine the capabilities of drones on the battlefield, ensuring that U.S. forces maintain their tactical edge in increasingly complex combat environments. The future looks bright for the Hellhound family of UASs, with expectations for continued innovation and development leading to enhanced defense capabilities.

For more details, visit Cummings Aerospace's official site.