Cummings Aerospace Successfully Completes Flight Tests for Hellhound Loitering Munition

Cummings Aerospace has recently achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of flight tests for their innovative Hellhound drone. This turbojet-powered, 3D-printed kamikaze unmanned aerial system (UAS) is engineered to provide rapid, precise, and cost-effective strike capabilities for modern military operations.

Flight Test Achievements

Between January 22 and 25, 2025, at the Pendleton Unmanned Aircraft Systems Range in Oregon, Hellhound underwent a series of rigorous flight tests. The drone demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving speeds exceeding 350 miles per hour at half throttle and covering distances over 20 kilometers while utilizing only 50% of its fuel capacity. These tests validated Hellhound's speed, range, and operational efficiency in challenging weather conditions, including low temperatures, high winds, and snow.

Design and Specifications

Hellhound is designed to enhance the combat effectiveness of Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs), offering them precision-strike capabilities traditionally associated with Armored Brigades. Key features include:

• Turbojet Propulsion: The drone's turbojet engine allows for rapid response to time-sensitive threats, providing a "sprint to loiter" capability. Operators can adjust the throttle to either quickly reach a target area or slow down to loiter and gather intelligence before engagement.

• 3D-Printed Construction: Utilizing advanced 3D printing techniques, Hellhound combines lightweight materials with Department of Defense-approved commercial components. This approach reduces production costs and simplifies logistics, making the system both affordable and sustainable.

• Man-Portable Design: The complete system, including the vehicle, launch canister, and ground control unit, weighs less than 25 pounds. This lightweight design enables single-soldier deployment, enhancing mobility and flexibility on the battlefield.

• Modular Payload System: Hellhound's design supports various payloads, including warheads, electronic warfare modules, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) equipment. Soldiers can interchange these payloads in under five minutes without the need for specialized tools, allowing for rapid adaptation to evolving mission requirements.

Operational Capabilities

During the flight tests, Hellhound successfully transmitted live video, confirming its ISR capabilities. It also conducted simulated strikes using an inert warhead, verifying the functionality of its critical systems. The drone's performance in adverse weather conditions further demonstrated its reliability and readiness for deployment in diverse operational environments.

Future Prospects

With the successful completion of these tests, Hellhound has achieved Technology Readiness Level 7 (TRL-7), indicating its maturity and suitability for operational deployment. Cummings Aerospace plans to conduct additional tests to refine the system's capabilities further and intends to submit a proposal for the U.S. Army's Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program. The company also aims to demonstrate Hellhound's versatility to other potential defense customers, highlighting its scalable and modular architecture designed to meet evolving battlefield requirements.

In summary, Hellhound represents a significant advancement in unmanned aerial systems, offering a high-speed, adaptable, and cost-effective solution for precision strikes. Its innovative design and proven performance position it as a valuable asset for modern military forces seeking to enhance their operational capabilities.