L3Harris Red Wolf Demonstrates Long-Range Precision Strike and Swarm Capability in Marine Corps Test

L3Harris’ Red Wolf vehicle has demonstrated its ability to operate at low altitude from a rotary-wing platform, successfully tracking and striking a designated target during a live-fire exercise conducted over the Atlantic Ocean. The test highlighted the system’s integration with Marine Corps aviation assets and its role in advancing affordable mass effectors for future combat operations.

Credit: L3Harris

The Red Wolf is a turbojet-powered launched effect system designed for helicopter deployment, measuring approximately six feet in length and two feet in width. It offers a range exceeding 200 nautical miles, endurance of more than 60 minutes, and a payload bay of 300 cubic inches capable of carrying up to 25 pounds. Operating at high subsonic speeds, the vehicle can reach altitudes of 40,000 feet and includes an optional parachute recovery system to enable refurbishment and reuse.

In September, the U.S. Marine Corps mounted a Red Wolf vehicle on the pylon of an AH-1Z Viper helicopter and conducted a live-fire launch against a sea-based target. The system not only achieved its strike objective but also participated in the targeting network, underscoring its relevance in collaborative operations. This marked the first instance of a Marine Corps helicopter employing a tablet-controlled weapon system, reflecting the service’s commitment to integrating modern technologies into existing platforms.

Credit: U.S. Marine Corps

The Red Wolf belongs to L3Harris’ expanding family of multi-role vehicles, which also includes the Green Wolf electronic warfare variant. While Red Wolf delivers kinetic precision strike capabilities, Green Wolf is equipped with electronic attack and detection systems that can identify, locate, and report adversary signals. Together, these vehicles form a scalable solution designed to meet urgent operational requirements across multiple domains. Production lines for both systems remain active to support demonstrations and mission needs.

The Atlantic Test Range event was part of a broader series of demonstrations involving both air- and ground-launched operations. These exercises have integrated the Wolf Pack of launched effect vehicles into existing combat platforms, showcasing their interoperability and potential for swarm tactics. The Marine Corps’ successful employment of Red Wolf reflects the growing emphasis on cost-effective, network-enabled munitions that can be shared across services to reduce overall defense expenditures.

Flexibility and modularity are central to the design of the Wolf Pack systems. Advanced onboard software allows for in-flight collaboration, re-targeting, and coordinated swarm operations among autonomous aircraft. The vehicles can be configured to be recoverable, supporting sustainability and adaptation to evolving mission requirements. This adaptability ensures that the systems remain relevant in diverse operational environments.

Key specifications of the Red Wolf include GPS-aided guidance with undisclosed seeker technology, network-enabled targeting, and modular payload options. Its endurance and range make it suitable for extended missions, while its payload bay supports kinetic strike packages, electronic warfare modules, or decoys. The system’s ability to integrate with rotary-wing platforms such as the AH-1Z Viper expands the operational reach of Marine aviation assets and enhances precision strike capabilities.