The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) LongShot program has selected General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) proposal for Phase 2 in March. DARPA had stated that the LongShot program aims to show that an unmanned air-launched vehicle can use air-to-air weapons to take down enemy aircraft. This will increase the range and effectiveness of air superiority missions.
Graphic: General Atomics
During Phase 2, detailed designs of the LongShot air vehicle are being completed, and ground tests are being conducted to decrease program risk. The objective of Phase 2 is to ensure that all components and subsystems of the LongShot air vehicle and air-to-air weapon system are designed and tested to work together seamlessly. These tests aim to identify any potential problems and fix them before moving on to the next phase. One of the critical events completed early during Phase 2 was a multi-body wind tunnel test, which was used to characterize the LongShot air vehicle and air-to-air weapon separation. The wind tunnel test aimed to ensure that the LongShot air vehicle could fly and maneuver as expected and that the air-to-air weapon could separate cleanly from the air vehicle.
The LongShot program’s Critical Design Review (CDR) is planned for early 2023, marking the end of Phase 2. If the CDR is successful, GA-ASI will move on to Phase 3, which will initiate the prototype manufacturing and flight testing phase of the program. The air vehicle will then be expected to fly in 2024. Currently, GA-ASI is preparing a proposal response for the Phase 3 of the LongShot program.
For more information, hit the Source below