Anduril Roadrunner is the world’s first unmanned interceptor capable of landing like a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket
December 2, 2023
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Anduril introduced the world’s first (relatively) reusable drone. His name was Roadrunner. Roadrunner is used to intercept cruise missiles, aircraft, barrage munitions and unmanned aerial vehicles. It is
Anduril introduced the world’s first (relatively) reusable drone. His name was Roadrunner. Roadrunner is used to intercept cruise missiles, aircraft, barrage munitions and unmanned aerial vehicles. It is equipped with two jet engines and is capable of vertical landing in the style of the first stages of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch vehicles.
The Roadrunner can be reused as long as no targets are destroyed during takeoff. In this case, the interceptor drone returns to the operator. Meanwhile, a high-explosive warhead is used to destroy the air threat.
A pair of compact jet engines power the unmanned interceptor’s takeoff, landing and acceleration. Anduril does not specify the speed of the Roadrunner, but states that it does not exceed the speed of sound (343 m/s). A specially designed launcher called Nest is provided for launch.
The entire complex can be integrated into the air defense system. There is no information about the guidance system, nor is the price specified, but Anduril’s president said it is several hundred thousand dollars. This is where the question arises regarding the economic efficiency of such a decision. Source
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