Raytheon’s Pyros small tactical munition (STM) has successfully completed the warhead and guidance system testing at the US Army’s Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, US.

During the test, Pyros was dropped from a Raytheon Cobra unmanned aircraft from a distance similar to the those experienced in contingency operations. The target simulated insurgents planting an improvised explosive device. While directly over the target, the warhead detonated at a predetermined height following inputs from the weapon’s height-of-burst sensor.

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The end-to-end testing evaluated the weapon’s guidance modes, including semi-active laser and global positioning system, height-of-burst sensor, electronic safe and arm device and multi-effects warhead.

Tom Bussing, Raytheon Missile Systems Advanced Missile Systems vice president, said the test highlighted the technical maturity of Pyros, which is designed for use by the small, tactical unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

”Our next step is to complete ongoing integration work on fielded platforms and prepare for production," Bussing added.

"The warfighter needs a lightweight, powerful, precision weapon that is designed specifically for the UAS platform. Pyros is the ideal solution."

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Weighing 6kg, the 22-inch Pyros is a long air-launched bomb, designed primarily for employment from a wide range of UAS, rotary-wing scout platforms and light attack aircraft.

Capable of firing from the US military’s common launch tube, the gravity-dropped bomb is equipped with both GPS/INS and digital semi-active laser guidance. Pyros is capable of engaging moving and static targets, with minimal collateral damage.

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