US Army is hunting for surface-to-air missiles able to take down small drones

• Army seeks NGCM missile capable of defeating larger drone threats faster
• New missile programme builds on proven Coyote counter-drone launch infrastructure
• Army demands rapid launch capability with extended interception range against drones

The US Army has launched a search for a new surface-to-air missile called the Next Generation C-sUAS Missile (NGCM), designed to destroy small drones while extending the range of existing counter-unmanned aircraft systems.

According to the Army's requirements, the missile should engage Group 2 drones like Boeing's ScanEagle,weighing between 21 and 55 pounds, flying below 3,500 feet at speeds under 250 knots.

It must also defeat larger Group 3 drones likeInsitu's RQ-21 Blackjack, weighing less than 1,320 pounds, operating below 18,000 feet while remaining under 250 knots.

Army seeks faster missile with longer reach

The Army expects the missile to leave its launcher within five seconds after the operator issues a firing command during an engagement.

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