Textron Systems Elevates Uncrewed Capabilities with New Damocles ™ Launched Effect
Uncrewed systems have become a central focal point of modern military power in the last several decades: uncrewed ground robotics, uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), uncrewed surface and subsurface vessels and now, launched effects (LE). Textron Systems has over three decades of expertise in designing, integrating and manufacturing these uncrewed systems across domains, with continuous investments and developments made to our portfolio to support the evolving battlefield. Building on our expertise and the needs of modern warfare, the newest addition to our uncrewed systems portfolio is the DamoclesTM launched effect.
Launched effects are purpose-built systems designed to autonomously or semi-autonomously deliver kinetic or non-kinetic payloads, with a focus on three interlocking priorities: precision lethality and targeting, safety for friendly forces and non-combatants, and the ability to manufacture and operate at scale. These priorities support the U.S. military and its allies by equipping them with the modular and agile tools needed for deterrence and escalation management in peer warfare environments. Previous mission scenarios would require soldiers to be stationary in line of sight, waiting for the adversary to come within range, then utilize many rounds of artillery to defeat enemy vehicles which puts soldiers at much higher risk and increases inefficiency and cost per target. With launched effects, soldiers can send the systems far beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) to engage the target without putting themselves at risk.
The ability to defeat the intended target reliably, while minimizing the need for repeat engagement, enhances mission outcomes and reduces the number of sorties and supporting assets required to achieve objectives.
The capability to manufacture and operate launched effects at scale turns tactical successes into broader strategic advantages. Modular designs, common components and dual-use manufacturing techniques help shorten production times and lower unit costs.
Textron Systems' Damocles launched effect is built with a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), allowing the integration of various payloads to support different Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), such as electronic warfare effects. This modularity ensures that the Damocles launched effect can be swiftly adapted to evolving mission requirements and operational scenarios, providing flexible and scalable solutions for joint forces and allied nations.
Textron Systems equips the Damocles launched effect with its advanced GEN2 Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP). This provides the ability to penetrate and defeat a modern battle tank, equipped with protection systems and reactive armor, with a unitary munition for mission-critical operations. High-precision effects also improve tactical flexibility for strategic terrain-shaping missions. Equipped with autonomous tracking capabilities and advanced artificial intelligence, Damocles launched effect ensures accurate targeting and effective execution in complex environments.
Robust testing, redundant guidance, hardened communications and cyber-resilient command-and-control reduce risks of failures or adversary manipulation of launched effect systems. Safety protocols, such as human-in-the-loop mission supervision and decision-making, are essential for maintaining operational security.
The Damocles launched effect includes additional features to prevent unexploded ordnance (UXO) on the battlefield, enhancing safety during and after conflict. This feature is particularly critical in reducing post-conflict hazards and ensuring a safer operational environment for friendly forces and non-combatants.
As the U.S. Army and its allies continues its development and demonstration of launched effects capabilities, systems like the Damocles launched effect remain pivotal in shaping the future landscape of military operations.