Textron Systems’ Damocles system wins LASSO prototype deal
Textron Systems has received a prototype agreement from the US Army for its Damocles loitering munition system, according to an announcement on 25 February.
The contract was awarded as part of the Low Altitude Stalking & Strike Ordnance (LASSO) programme.
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Textron Systems, a subsidiary of Textron, will deliver and demonstrate the Damocles system to the Army under the terms of the agreement.
The Damocles loitering munition system uses Textron Systems’ GEN2 Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) technology and operates as a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft system.
This configuration enables top-attack capabilities without requiring additional launch or recovery equipment.
The system’s modular open systems approach allows for the integration of other payloads, including options for electronic warfare, to adapt to different operational requirements.
To enhance operational safety, Textron Systems has incorporated features designed to prevent unexploded ordnance, aiming to reduce potential battlefield hazards.
According to the company, Damocles system supports a variety of mission profiles by allowing for payload customisation depending on specific needs.
Textron Systems weapon systems senior vice president Henry Finneral said: “Loitering munitions technology will be key in protecting the warfighter on the battlefield – they allow warfighters to send systems like Damocles beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) to engage a target from a safer standoff distance.
“Textron Systems is proud to support this mission and leverage our industry-leading EFP technology to provide next-generation capability at speed and at scale.”
The LASSO programme forms part of the US Army’s initiative to equip Brigade Combat Teams with portable, precision anti-armour solutions that can be rapidly deployed by dismounted units.
Last month, the US Army’s Program Executive Office Soldier selected UVision’s HERO-90 loitering munition, which it offered in partnership with Mistral, for participation in LASSO alongside other candidate systems.
