This week, AeroVironment, Inc. announced the successful execution of the first multi-drop, live fire GPS-guided Shryke munitions from the VAPOR® 55 MX, an all-electric unmanned aircraft system developed in collaboration with Corvid and L3Harris Technologies. The VAPOR 55 MX effectively carried and deployed four rounds simultaneously, demonstrating the live-fire effects of this capability. Integrating Shryke munitions on the VAPOR 55 MX enables the designation of multiple targets in a single flight.

Corvid Technologies and L3Harris Technologies developed Shryke, renowned for its versatile and precise multi-mission strike capability, meeting the demand to remain within 1-2 meters of the designated target. It is equipped with a MIL-STD-1316 Electronic Safe and Arm Device (ESAD), ensuring safety-critical initiation-on-command for energetic systems. L3Harris’ integrator further facilitates the secure post-flight recovery of remaining installed munitions.

“Shryke’s size and weight make it the ideal choice for the weaponized VAPOR 55 MX.  The lethality of a 40mm anti-armor modular warhead paired with a lightweight glider provides a highly effective, low-collateral damage solution to the front lines,” said Kyle Bowen, Corvid’s Shryke Business Development Director.

“Collaborating with our partners to develop the multi-drop Shryke payload to integrate seamlessly with the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) design of the VAPOR 55 MX gives us a real market advantage.  Quick integration for the warfighter continues to be our top priority,” said Jason Wright, AeroVironment’s Senior Product Line Manager.

The open software and hardware architecture of the VAPOR 55 MX offer increased versatility, enabling customers to integrate third-party payloads of their choice seamlessly. This integration can occur without experiencing excessive non-recurring engineering costs and schedule delays.

See Also-

Insitu: Successful Deployment of a Munition from a UAS

New Guided Munition Defends Against Drones and Swarms

Performance analysis and design of loitering munitions

Post Image- VAPOR 55 MX with GPS-guided Shryke Munitions (Image Credit: AeroVironment)