L3Harris’ Agile Development Group has been progressively developing a highly mobile, robotic-based short-range air defense system designed to meet current mission requirements and adapt quickly and cost-effectively to future threats. This prototype system participated in this year’s Project Convergence Capstone 4 (PC-C4) field experiment, where it seamlessly integrated advanced long-range surveillance and electronic attack (EA) capabilities onto a fully autonomous combat vehicle, enhancing ground-based air defense with beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations. The team also adapted BLOS technology to another platform during the event, showcasing their ability to meet emerging robotic system demands.
PC-C4 is a series of exercises, experiments, and events to identify and refine strategies crucial for transforming the U.S. Army and ensuring war-winning readiness. L3Harris is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions to the battlefield, effectively enhancing capabilities while minimizing risks to warfighters.
“Our team’s relentless drive to adapt and innovate is what ultimately drove our success with these prototypes,” said Jennifer Lewis, President, Airborne Combat Systems, L3Harris. “Thanks to their tireless efforts, we’re coming away with valuable insights that will drive further improvements, strategic decisions, and ultimately, powerful new capabilities to the warfighter.”
The prototype excelled in rigorous field tests, covering approximately 175 kilometers of challenging terrain over six days. It showcased its strong capabilities across various mission scenarios, including:
- Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Surveillance and Electronic Warfare: Equipped with an autonomous multi-sensor cross-cueing payload, the system provided early warning of air threats from over 26 kilometers away.
- Dynamic Reconnaissance: While en route to surveillance positions, the prototype captured optical data on the move at beyond-line-of-sight ranges.
These tests highlighted the precision of the WESCAM MX™-10D reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition multi-sensor imaging and designator system. Additionally, several communications tests were conducted, offering valuable insights into modular and open communication systems integration, performance, and applicability, ensuring true resiliency for mission-critical data links. The communications capabilities tested included the RASOR modular communications chassis, Mobile Ad Hoc Network WRAITH, a SATCOM On-the-Move antenna, the AN/PRC-158 Next Gen radio, the RF-7850W high-capacity line-of-sight radio, and a hardened third-party commercial space internet satellite.
Post Image Credit- L3Harris
