Hellhound is designed to enhance the firepower of Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs), providing them with precision-strike capabilities comparable to Armored Brigades. The drone enables long-range engagement of high-value targets, including tanks, armored vehicles, and fortified positions, while maintaining a compact and deployable design.
During the tests, Hellhound demonstrated its speed and range, flying beyond 20 km at half throttle while consuming only 50% of its fuel. The drone also showcased its Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities by transmitting live video during flight and performed simulated strikes using an inert warhead to validate critical subsystems.
The drone proved its reliability in extreme weather, operating efficiently in low temperatures, high winds, and snowy conditions. With all primary objectives achieved, the system was confirmed at Technology Readiness Level 7 (TRL-7), indicating its readiness for operational deployment.
Hellhound incorporates advanced manufacturing techniques, combining 3D printing with commercial off-the-shelf components to reduce production costs. Its lightweight, man-portable design—under 25 pounds for the full system—ensures ease of deployment by a single soldier, while its modular payload system allows for quick field adaptations.
Looking ahead, Cummings Aerospace plans further tests to refine the system’s full capabilities and officially submit a proposal for the U.S. Army’s Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program. Additional demonstrations will also be conducted for other potential defence customers.
Hellhound’s scalable and modular architecture positions it as a future-proof solution for evolving battlefield requirements. With the ability to integrate electronic warfare, ISR, and various strike payloads, it is designed to support both current and future military missions across multiple branches and allied forces.
