Only recently, the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command selected the mini-cruise missile Red Wolf from L3Harris Technologies for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) precision-strike weapons program. The system is intended to close the gap in modern warfare through its ability to conduct precise strikes over long distances, according to the Navy’s selection decision. In early April, L3Harris Technologies demonstrated the test assembly of Red Wolf on the Skyraider II International, a close air support aircraft.
The Skyraider II, based on the Air Tractor 802 agricultural aircraft, offers close air support, precision strikes and armed reconnaissance, and can be connected in real time with all joint-force networks worldwide. It is characterized by a small footprint, low operating costs per flight hour, and mission flexibility. The design also enables operation from rugged, unprepared, and remote airfields.
Cruise Missiles for Multiple Dimensions
USSOCOM uses the new aircraft to support the armed forces across a range of missions, including close air support, precision strikes, as well as armed reconnaissance and surveillance. The aircraft’s flexibility is intended to enable special forces to engage adversaries across the entire spectrum of armed conflict. L3Harris has now tested the integration capability of Red Wolf, highlighting the modularity and ease of integration of both platforms for evolving mission requirements.
“Our customers demand a lean, agile aircraft that can take off, fly, and land anytime and anywhere and be equipped with a wide range of payloads,” said Jason Lambert, President of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Space and Mission Systems at L3Harris. “The combination of Red Wolf and Skyraider II International demonstrates the rapid reconfiguration and adaptability of the key L3Harris systems.”
Red Wolf is, according to the manufacturer, a multidimensional unmanned aerial vehicle for precision strikes over long distances. Like its electronic warfare counterpart, Green Wolf, it offers long endurance and the ability to engage targets from a safe distance. L3Harris developed the systems under the Long-Range Advanced Missile Program as part of the Defense Innovation Acceleration Program.
