Cummings Aerospace has concluded flight trials with its Hellhound drone, positioning it as a potential candidate for the US Army’s Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) programme.
In the forthcoming months, the company plans to present a detailed proposal to the Army for the initiative following additional tests to advance Hellhound to Technology Readiness Level 7.
Hellhound is a turbo-jet-powered, 3D-printed kamikaze drone, designed to help facilitate precise, long-range strikes against tanks, armoured vehicles and fortified positions for the US Army’s Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs).
During the three flight tests, which took place at Pendleton UAS Range in Oregon from 22 to 25 January 2025, Hellhound demonstrated its ability to exceed speeds of 350 miles per hour while operating at half throttle, covering distances more than 20km and using just half of its fuel capacity.
These trials also validated Hellhound’s integrated seeker via live video transmissions, affirming its capacity for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
Additionally, the drone conducted simulated attacks using an inert warhead to test the functionality of its critical systems.
These recent assessments build upon 12 previous flights from 2023 and 2024 that established the system’s foundational capabilities.
Employing 3D printing technology and the US Department of Defense-approved commercial components, Hellhound is designed to be cost-effective and logistically straightforward.
Its turbojet engine enables rapid deployment in response to immediate threats.
The system’s all-up-round configuration, which includes the vehicle, launch canister, and ground control system, weighs less than 25lb.
This facilitates single-soldier operation and enhances infantry mobility.
Hellhound’s modular design allows for the integration of various payloads, such as warhead, Electronic Warfare, and ISR modules, which soldiers can interchange in less than five minutes without the need for tools.
Hellhound aligns with the US Army’s requirements for a Loitering Munition programme, providing IBCTs a platform capable of engaging various targets with minimal collateral damage.
Its loitering ability allows soldiers to identify and engage adversaries within and beyond their line of sight.
As the LASSO programme progresses, Hellhound’s adaptable design ensures it can accommodate additional payload options and mission profiles.
Cummings Aerospace CEO Sheila Cummings said: “Hellhound’s jet-powered design ensures Infantry Brigade Combat Teams can act faster – gathering intelligence and striking critical targets deep in the contested areas before the enemy has time to react.”
