OPF-L seeks to arm Marines with easy-to-use, explosives-laden, man-portable loitering munitions, also commonly referred to as kamikaze drones. The Corps is also seeking launchers for these weapons on ground vehicles and uncrewed surface vessels. You can read more about the Corps’ move to a robotic future in the air, sea and ground in our recent story here.
Rogue 1 will allow Marines to conduct “precision strikes against moving and stationary armored targets, soft-skinned vehicles, and dismounted threats,” the company said. “An advanced fuzing system on Rogue 1 features a first-of-its-kind mechanical interrupt that allows the aircraft to be safely recovered and reused when targets are disengaged or missions are aborted.” Exactly why this is so novel isn't clear as this is a capability that does exist on other types.
The drone has a 30-minute flight time, can burst to speeds up to 70 mph and strike targets up to six miles away.
It also features "electro-optical and FLIR Boson 640+ thermal cameras to deliver day/night long-range reconnaissance and surveillance," the company states. A "novel coupling between sensors and warhead in the gimballed payload enables extremely precise targeting."
The EFP warhead is designed to strike adversary armor and the full-width fragmenting warhead its personnel.
"The initial delivery order is valued at $12 million, or about $94,000 per drone."
This product should be $10K, max.
@QuickDovePatriot1yr1Y
Exactly ,
Mass produced consumer version at wholesale, $950
Military version 10x.
Not 100x.
What an overpriced, obsolete, low-spec piece of junk.
This is like 2022 baby steps DIY crap level.
Give up and pay Sternenko to do it right. They already have battlefield results with higher speeds, more range, costs ~100x lower, and mass production nearing 10k per month and rising.
On crowdfunding. With a contract to supply DOD, you'd see even better numbers.
Typical US military procurement. Take something that should cost $4-6000 and pay $1000 for it.
This is a great example of how the US will outspend everyone on defense and end up with dangerously less. What do you think China is spending on similar loitering munitions? How many do you think they can manufacture in a week? What does the US currently field to defend against one of these. or ten of these, or ten thousand of these?
@ISIDEWITH1yr1Y
If technology continues to advance in warfare, leading to more autonomous weapons, what concerns does that raise for you about the future of military engagements?
@9M9XV651yr1Y
There should not be as many advances in technology. It would have concerns.
@ISIDEWITH1yr1Y
@ISIDEWITH1yr1Y
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