How AEVEX Aerospace’s Atlas Group II Drone Could Redefine US Army’s Short-Range Launched Effects
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In response to the rapidly evolving threat environment on modern battlefields, the US Army is seeking to equip its units with new capabilities that enable action at long range with discretion, agility, and precision. The Launched Effects–Short Range (LE-SR) program was created to identify autonomous systems capable of delivering lethal or non-lethal effects from a wide variety of ground or airborne platforms. During the recent Special User Demonstration (SUD), three defense companies were selected: AEVEX Aerospace with its Atlas Group II system, Anduril Industries with the Altius 600, and Raytheon with the Coyote Block 3. Among these, the Atlas Group II stands out as a strong candidate to represent the next generation of LE-SR systems for the US Army.
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Developed as a Group II loitering munition, the Atlas Group II was designed to balance lightweight construction, endurance, and modularity. (Picture source: AEVEX Aerospace)
Developed as a Group II loitering munition, the Atlas Group II was designed to balance lightweight construction, endurance, and modularity. With a total weight of 34 pounds (15.4 kg), a length of 55 inches (139.7 cm), and a wingspan of 75.5 inches (191.8 cm), it is optimized for ease of transport and rapid deployment by frontline units. Capable of flying for more than 86 minutes at speeds exceeding 50 knots (over 92 km/h), it can cover operational ranges up to 160 kilometers. This combination of extended flight time and range, along with the ability to remain airborne in contested environments, makes it suitable for surveillance, reconnaissance, or precision strike missions beyond the line of contact.
From a technical standpoint, the Atlas incorporates advanced navigation solutions. In addition to a robust mesh radio, it features visual-based navigation technology that enables the system to recognize and follow terrain features even in GPS-denied or jammed environments. These capabilities are further supported by alternative positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) methods, enhancing operational resilience. Its open architecture allows for integration of varied payloads and third-party sensors, giving users significant adaptability. The Atlas can carry a 7.5-pound (3.4 kg) payload configured with either fragmentation or penetrator warheads, depending on mission requirements.
When compared to its two direct competitors, the Atlas Group II demonstrates unique advantages. While Anduril’s Altius 600 offers a broad ISR mission profile and Raytheon’s Coyote Block 3 is known for its technical maturity, the Atlas combines credible offensive capacity, high endurance, and compact design, making it well-suited for forward-deployed units. AEVEX also points to substantial operational experience, with over 5,000 systems delivered under various US government contracts and documented combat use, including in the context of the conflict in Ukraine.
Doctrinally, integrating systems like the Atlas Group II aligns with the US Army’s current needs. Brig. Gen. David Phillips, Program Executive Officer for Aviation, emphasized the importance of collecting direct user feedback to guide the evolution of Launched Effects capabilities. Brig. Gen. Cain Baker, Director of the Future Vertical Lift Cross Functional Team, added that this input will shape not only technical requirements but also future operational concepts. A flexible, autonomous, and quickly deployable system like the Atlas offers notable advantages in that regard.
AEVEX Aerospace’s participation in the demonstration takes place within a broader industrial initiative. Alongside the SUD, the Army has launched a prototyping effort to integrate existing sensor and payload solutions into LE-SR systems in collaboration with the Aviation and Missile Technology Consortium. The effort, which has already attracted interest from twelve vendors, is intended to accelerate innovation and facilitate rapid adaptation of selected systems to evolving operational scenarios.
Headquartered in Solana Beach, California, AEVEX Aerospace has established expertise in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), loitering munitions, and electronic warfare support tools. With additional facilities in Florida, Ohio, and Virginia, and an active production line, the company is positioned to support a large-scale deployment if the Atlas is ultimately selected.
With its tactical focus, proven ability to operate in GPS-degraded conditions, modular payload integration, and operational experience, the Atlas Group II is currently among the most promising candidates to become the US Army’s next short-range launched effect. The outcome of the Special User Demonstration will be critical in determining its future role, but initial results point to a strong alignment with the Army’s evolving operational demands.
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In response to the rapidly evolving threat environment on modern battlefields, the US Army is seeking to equip its units with new capabilities that enable action at long range with discretion, agility, and precision. The Launched Effects–Short Range (LE-SR) program was created to identify autonomous systems capable of delivering lethal or non-lethal effects from a wide variety of ground or airborne platforms. During the recent Special User Demonstration (SUD), three defense companies were selected: AEVEX Aerospace with its Atlas Group II system, Anduril Industries with the Altius 600, and Raytheon with the Coyote Block 3. Among these, the Atlas Group II stands out as a strong candidate to represent the next generation of LE-SR systems for the US Army.
Developed as a Group II loitering munition, the Atlas Group II was designed to balance lightweight construction, endurance, and modularity. (Picture source: AEVEX Aerospace)
Developed as a Group II loitering munition, the Atlas Group II was designed to balance lightweight construction, endurance, and modularity. With a total weight of 34 pounds (15.4 kg), a length of 55 inches (139.7 cm), and a wingspan of 75.5 inches (191.8 cm), it is optimized for ease of transport and rapid deployment by frontline units. Capable of flying for more than 86 minutes at speeds exceeding 50 knots (over 92 km/h), it can cover operational ranges up to 160 kilometers. This combination of extended flight time and range, along with the ability to remain airborne in contested environments, makes it suitable for surveillance, reconnaissance, or precision strike missions beyond the line of contact.
From a technical standpoint, the Atlas incorporates advanced navigation solutions. In addition to a robust mesh radio, it features visual-based navigation technology that enables the system to recognize and follow terrain features even in GPS-denied or jammed environments. These capabilities are further supported by alternative positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) methods, enhancing operational resilience. Its open architecture allows for integration of varied payloads and third-party sensors, giving users significant adaptability. The Atlas can carry a 7.5-pound (3.4 kg) payload configured with either fragmentation or penetrator warheads, depending on mission requirements.
When compared to its two direct competitors, the Atlas Group II demonstrates unique advantages. While Anduril’s Altius 600 offers a broad ISR mission profile and Raytheon’s Coyote Block 3 is known for its technical maturity, the Atlas combines credible offensive capacity, high endurance, and compact design, making it well-suited for forward-deployed units. AEVEX also points to substantial operational experience, with over 5,000 systems delivered under various US government contracts and documented combat use, including in the context of the conflict in Ukraine.
Doctrinally, integrating systems like the Atlas Group II aligns with the US Army’s current needs. Brig. Gen. David Phillips, Program Executive Officer for Aviation, emphasized the importance of collecting direct user feedback to guide the evolution of Launched Effects capabilities. Brig. Gen. Cain Baker, Director of the Future Vertical Lift Cross Functional Team, added that this input will shape not only technical requirements but also future operational concepts. A flexible, autonomous, and quickly deployable system like the Atlas offers notable advantages in that regard.
AEVEX Aerospace’s participation in the demonstration takes place within a broader industrial initiative. Alongside the SUD, the Army has launched a prototyping effort to integrate existing sensor and payload solutions into LE-SR systems in collaboration with the Aviation and Missile Technology Consortium. The effort, which has already attracted interest from twelve vendors, is intended to accelerate innovation and facilitate rapid adaptation of selected systems to evolving operational scenarios.
Headquartered in Solana Beach, California, AEVEX Aerospace has established expertise in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), loitering munitions, and electronic warfare support tools. With additional facilities in Florida, Ohio, and Virginia, and an active production line, the company is positioned to support a large-scale deployment if the Atlas is ultimately selected.
With its tactical focus, proven ability to operate in GPS-degraded conditions, modular payload integration, and operational experience, the Atlas Group II is currently among the most promising candidates to become the US Army’s next short-range launched effect. The outcome of the Special User Demonstration will be critical in determining its future role, but initial results point to a strong alignment with the Army’s evolving operational demands.
