USSOCOM advances Leidos’ Bronco II aircraft to the next phase of development
Equipped with a modular weapons system, Bronco II is capable of a wide range of weapons configurations. (Image: Bronco USA)
USSOCOM advances the Leidos team’s, including Paramount Group USA and Vertex Aerospace, Bronco II aircraft to the next phase of development.
Leidos has been awarded a contract in the next phase of the US Special Operations Command’s (USSOCOM) Armed Overwatch aircraft prototype programme.
The Leidos team will advance its new aircraft, Bronco II, to the Phase III Operational Prototype Demonstration fly-off.
USSOCOM selected Leidos as the prime contractor to compete for the final phase of the Armed Overwatch contract.
The contract requires demonstrating a new prototype system evaluated against well-defined criteria.
Bronco II is a rugged, affordable and sustainable multi-mission aircraft that has been built to meet the specific needs of special operations forces.
It has been designed to ‘roll-on, roll-off' standards and can be rapidly disassembled, transported and reassembled in the field by a small crew.
It can be reassembled in the field in less than 12 hours.
It features modular mission systems to enable rapid system changes, updates, additions, integration and removal.
Mission flexibility is a Bronco II hallmark. It can be reconfigured, while remotely deployed, in less than two hours.
The aircraft can be equipped with a number of different payloads, such as ELINT, medical supplies, resupplies, fuel drums and airdrops.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Poland approved for another buy of AMRAAMs under $1.3 billion deal]()
Poland approved for another buy of AMRAAMs under $1.3 billion deal
The deal is for 400 AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). It increases the stocks the country already has and follows a US$1.7 billion order for 745 missiles approved in March last year.
-
![Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter]()
Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter
The delivery is the first in a total of 25 helicopters on order, with all deliveries expected to be completed by 2027.
-
![MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone]()
MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone
The investment will bring together the Hybrid Drones and MBDA to enable the former to further develop its Hydra 400 UAV, previously showcased by the British Army.
-
![Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery]()
Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery
Work has begun on stockpiling the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), following the first missile’s delivery from Kongsberg and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.
-
![US Air Force has big plans for the F-47]()
US Air Force has big plans for the F-47
The USAF Chief of Staff has claimed that the sixth-generation fighter would allow for guaranteeing “air superiority for generations to come”.
-
![India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance]()
India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance
Inter-governmental agreement signed as final assembly line plans inch closer.
