Leidos’ small cruise missile (SCM), nicknamed the ‘Black Arrow,’ has successfully completed captive carry and store safe separation flight tests, moving the program closer to guided flight tests scheduled for later this year. The tests, conducted in December 2023, confirmed digital twin predictions of safe separation, benign store dynamics, and trajectory characteristics.
Photo: Leidos
The SCM is a low-cost, service-common, mission-adaptable “delivery platform” designed to facilitate future spiral upgrades for both kinetic and non-kinetic missions. It is being developed under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between Leidos and U.S. Special Operations Command PEO-Fixed Wing and AFSOC.
“Our experience in rapidly fielding the GBU-69 Small Glide Munition (SGM) and demonstrating the DARPA X-61 Gremlins, as well as our focus on agility and innovation, have led to achieving important milestones with our small cruise missile offering,” said Mark Miller, senior vice president for missile and aviation solutions at Leidos.
Leidos is leveraging model-based systems engineering, additive manufacturing, and AI optimization practices to support the timely and cost-effective development of the SCM. The company believes that the missile’s open architecture will allow it to integrate the best subsystem solutions, regardless of the source.
The successful flight tests of the ‘Black Arrow’ are a significant milestone for Leidos and could mark a major step forward in the development of affordable, long-range strike capabilities. The missile’s low cost and adaptability make it an attractive option for the U.S. military, and it is likely to see significant interest from potential customers in the years to come.
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