Leidos in November successfully completed a guided flight test of their Small Cruise Missile (SCM), known as Black Arrow, from an AC-130J aircraft. The test demonstrated aircraft compatibility, system performance, waypoint uplinks, guidance accuracy as well as integration with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Battle Management System (BMS).
The Black Arrow is a low cost, 200-lb class mission adaptable delivery platform designed to facilitate spiral upgrades for both kinetic and non-kinetic missions. The test was conducted as part of a Collaborative Research and Development (CRADA) agreement between Leidos, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
https://www.leidos.com/insights/leidos- ... se-missileThe missile is designed to be launched in a variety of methods, including launch ejection from a C-130 (or other cargo utility aircraft) ramp via a custom Ramp Launch Tube (RLT), palletized launch and conventional store release from fixed-wing aircraft.
Leidos is now under contract with USSOCOM to continue test and evaluation activities throughout 2025.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/leidos_l ... 66976-w-8G
Leidos’ Black Arrow Small Cruise Missile (SCM) is a low cost, mission adaptable, modular delivery platform designed to facilitate future spiral upgrades for kinetic and non-kinetic missions. It is a small air-to-ground cruise missile that can fly about 400 nautical miles and hit targets even when the GPS is down. Leidos is leveraging model-based systems engineering, additive manufacturing, and AI optimisation practices to support the timely and cost-effective development, which aims to provide adaptability and utility for the warfighter. The open architecture SCM solution is intended to integrate the best subsystem solutions, regardless of the source.
https://www.leidos.com/company/global/a ... valon-2025Small Cruise Missile (SCM) features
- Leverages success of the GBU-69/B Small Glide Munition and the DARPA X-61A Gremlins Unmanned Air Vehicle
- Adaptable electrical and mechanical designs enable rapid system upgrades for evolving warfighter needs
- Modular airframe components enable partner participation via distributed manufacturing
- Software meets Weapon Open System Architecture (WOSA) standards to facilitate future enhancements
