Equipped with optical navigation, a 2.27 kg warhead, and intercontinental range, the new Red Dragon has already been tested in combat and is now in mass production.
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AeroVironment, a US company globally recognized for producing Switchblade drones, has just unveiled its newest attack drone: the Red Dragon. Designed as a next-generation loitering munition, the vehicle stands out for its combination of operational autonomy, precision, and versatility.
With a range of up to 400 km and a flight time of up to 6 hours, the Red Dragon is launched from a lightweight catapult, measures 2 meters in length, has a wingspan of 3.6 meters, and weighs about 21 kg at takeoff. Its cruising speed is 25 m/s and can reach up to 45 m/s when approaching the target.
GPS-Free Autonomy and Modular Payload
One of Red Dragon’s major features is its autonomous optical navigation system, capable of operating without relying on GPS, detecting and recognizing targets independently. The company states that the system has already been successfully tested in real combat scenarios.
The drone carries a standard 2.27 kg warhead, but its modular structure allows for up to 10 kg of payload, which includes electronic warfare equipment, reconnaissance sensors, and other onboard systems.
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Production Underway
According to the manufacturer, the Red Dragon is already in mass production and represents a direct response to the US military’s need for long-range, discreet, and highly autonomous attack systems.
Source and images: AeroVironment. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
