Strike Drone - A Defense Suppression Concept Using Unmanned Cruise/ Loiter/Attack Vehicle

A concept for an advanced defense suppression system using an unmanned (bomb rack launched, 500 lb class air launched) vehicle with cruise/loiter/attack capabilities has been developed. Guidance commands are provided by either a radiation sensor or a flight reference unit depending upon the phase of the trajectory (anti-radiation during attack/flight reference during cruise and loiter). Two airframe configurations (mono wing and cruciform) were analyzed for the three phases of the flight trajectory. Overall systems requirements such as speed, weight, thrust levels, maneuverability, cross section and control configurations were formulated.