Dynetics claims ‘major step forward’ with latest Gremlins test
After a delay due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Leidos subsidiary Dynetics successfully tested a second X-61A Gremlins Air Vehicle (GAV) plus airborne recovery system in July at the Dugway Proving Ground in Utah, the company revealed on 26 August.
‘We have taken a major step forward towards accomplishing airborne recovery, and we are ever so close to achieving it,’ said Tim Keeter, programme manager for the Dynetics Gremlins team.
Tests for the DARPA focused on risk reduction, as well as system and subsystem performance verification, in preparation for an airborne recovery test later in 2020.
The test series involved all segments of the Gremlins demonstration system, including GAVs, the launch and recovery system, the airborne operator control station and the Gremlins C3 system.
The overarching goal of the Gremlins programme, which is managed by the DARPA Tactical Technology Office, is to demonstrate aerial launch and recovery of multiple low-cost reusable UASs.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
-
![Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities]()
Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.
-
![Exail to supply Caméléon unmanned demining robots to Belgium Armed Forces]()
Exail to supply Caméléon unmanned demining robots to Belgium Armed Forces
The Caméléon LG UGV includes remote operational capabilities and real-time hazard detection.
-
![Honeywell launches counter-swarm drone system to combat evolving warfare requirements]()
Honeywell launches counter-swarm drone system to combat evolving warfare requirements
The UAS, which detects and tracks drone swarms, will be demonstrated to the US Air Force Global Strike team in January 2025.
