Red Dragon Long-Range Autonomous One-Way Attack UAS by AeroVironment

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AeroVironment Red Dragon is a software-defined unmanned aircraft system engineered to operate autonomously in one-way attack missions under high-threat conditions where GPS signals are denied and communications are degraded. Built with scalability in mind, the platform supports mass production, rapid fielding, and streamlined logistics to meet operational requirements. Its design emphasizes adaptability across multiple domains—air, land, and maritime—while ensuring that small units can be trained efficiently to employ the system in combat scenarios.

Credit: AeroVironment

The system’s architecture has been developed to allow rapid integration of new capabilities, enabling it to evolve in response to emerging operational challenges anticipated in the future of autonomous warfare. This modular approach ensures that Red Dragon can remain relevant as adversaries introduce new countermeasures and as mission requirements shift.

Red Dragon combines advanced autonomy with resilience against electronic warfare and delivers tactical flexibility that has not previously been available in comparable systems. This integration of features provides operators with a tool capable of executing complex missions without requiring constant oversight, while maintaining effectiveness in contested environments.

Designed to penetrate heavily defended airspace, the aircraft is capable of functioning in denied, disrupted, intermittent, and low-bandwidth conditions. Its autonomous mission execution eliminates dependence on continuous operator input or satellite navigation, making it suitable for operations where traditional command-and-control links are unreliable or compromised.

Key Features

  • Full-mission autonomy with onboard decision-making: The system is capable of independently carrying out mission objectives without requiring constant operator input, allowing small teams to deploy it effectively in complex scenarios.

  • GNSS-independent navigation: Red Dragon can navigate and execute missions even in GPS-denied environments, ensuring reliability when satellite signals are jammed or unavailable.

  • Resilience to electronic warfare and spoofing: Built to withstand hostile attempts to disrupt or deceive its systems, the aircraft maintains operational integrity under electronic attack.

  • Software-defined payload control and system behavior: Mission parameters and payload functions can be reconfigured through software, providing flexibility to adapt quickly to different operational needs.

  • Open architecture for third-party software, algorithms, and C2 integration: The design supports external applications and command-and-control systems, enabling rapid upgrades and integration with allied technologies for future scalability.

  • Designed for mass production readiness with modularity and affordability: The system is engineered for efficient manufacturing, cost-effectiveness, and sustainable long-term operations, ensuring that large numbers can be deployed rapidly when required.

AeroVironment Red Dragon Specifications

  • Range: Capable of covering more than 400 kilometers, enabling long-distance strike missions.

  • Payload Capacity: Supports up to 10 kilograms, allowing integration of mission-specific payloads.

  • Setup Time: Operational readiness achieved in less than 10 minutes, ensuring rapid deployment.

  • Launch Rate: Designed for high-tempo operations with up to five launches per minute.

  • Cruising Speed: Maintains a steady flight at 25 meters per second, accelerating beyond 45 meters per second during the terminal attack phase.

  • Weight (Airframe Unit Ready): Approximately 45 pounds, optimized for portability and field handling.

  • Audible Signature: Engineered for low acoustic detectability, reducing exposure to adversary detection systems.

  • Standard Payload: Fully integrated Government Furnished Equipment payload, ensuring compatibility with mission requirements.

  • Aircraft Transport Case: Each case accommodates three aircraft, with a total weight of 97 pounds and dimensions of 81 x 22 x 23 inches, designed for efficient logistics and mobility.