The S4 is an evolution of the existing S3 drone, but with enhancements for air defence roles in line with government initiatives such as President Trump’s proposed Golden Dome missile defence programme. Sheila Cummings, CEO of Cummings Aerospace, said mobility and multimission capability were “foundational elements for tactical success in layered defence strategies like Golden Dome.”
Key upgrades to the S4 include payload versatility, enabling it to serve as a loitering munition, conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, or operate as a low-cost cruise missile. Its modular design, featuring a removable nose, allows rapid reconfiguration, while its operational weight of up to 45 pounds marks a significant increase over the 12 to 14 pounds of the S3.
The S4 is currently in engineering development, with prototype construction under way and flight testing scheduled to begin next spring. Production will follow the scalable manufacturing processes used for the S3, reflecting the defence sector’s increasing requirement for rapid production at scale.
Much of the Hellhound air vehicle is produced using commercially available 3D printing technology, enabling faster prototyping and manufacturing. Cummings highlighted the importance of sourcing standard parts from multiple suppliers to “mitigate risks associated with single-source dependency.”
The company’s location near Redstone Arsenal, a key hub for Army aviation testing and development, supports efficient coordination for production and integration of defence technologies. Over the past 16 years, Cummings Aerospace has contributed to the development of interceptors, sensors and command-and-control systems, building its reputation in missile defence technology.
By focusing on both domestic production capacity and international partnerships, Cummings Aerospace aims to meet growing demand for advanced aerial defence systems. Its ability to produce more than 100 S3 units each month will be applied to the S4 to support rapid deployment needs.
With its emphasis on multimission capability, scalable manufacturing and distributed supply chains, the S4 programme reflects a future-oriented approach to national security. Cummings Aerospace’s work positions it to play a central role in layered defence strategies such as Golden Dome.
