Image source: topwar.ru
The American company Moog Inc. has announced that its "stabilizer control system" (CAS) has successfully passed comprehensive flight tests, being installed on a small Black Arrow cruise missile developed by Leidos. Testing, as explained, was conducted back in November 2024 from an AC-130J aircraft ("flying battery") of the US Air Force.
Allegedly, the missile defense System has achieved all test objectives, including firing range, flight duration, accuracy of impact, compatibility with aircraft and integration with the combat control system of the Naval Surface Forces Center (BMS). The rocket was launched from a launcher mounted on the carrier's cargo ramp.
The video captures the release of the control panel, the opening of the wing, the launch of the propulsion system and flight, while hitting the target is not shown.
The rocket is equipped with a CAS tail, which includes four electromechanical drives and one control board for each unit. As the developer explained, he is ready to expand production facilities to meet the customer's needs.
Image source: topwar.ru
The Black Arrow is a small-sized 91 kg air-to-air cruise missile, the existence of which was not officially confirmed until May 2024. It is based on a modular design, adaptable to various tasks, and has a low cost. The CR can be launched from drop pallets, from launchers, or from conventional pylons.
The design consists of a front compartment with a payload (weighing 23 kg) and a rear section with an engine and guidance systems. The power plant is represented by a small turbojet engine, which provides a cruising speed of up to Mach 0.8 and a flight altitude of 9100 meters. The flight range is over 740 km, when dropped from the AC-130J – 1480 km.
Image source: topwar.ru
Guidance is carried out using an ANN, supplemented by a classified on-board terminal sensor, which provides navigation in the absence of GPS and exposure to electronic warfare.
The Black Arrow is being developed to equip "flying batteries" designed to provide direct fire support to ground forces. The new missile is expected to significantly increase the range of aircraft such as the AC-130J.
At the same time, the developer, Leidos, is evaluating alternative ways to launch a rocket, in particular, with the HIMARS MLRS, which will require the installation of an accelerator to achieve initial flight speed before turning on the main engine. It is possible to adapt the CR for shooting from a ship.
