Hellhound S3: Cummings Aerospace’s Turbojet Kamikaze Drone Completes First Test Flight

Cummings Aerospace has successfully tested its Hellhound S3 drone on a U.S. Army test range, demonstrating its high-speed strike capabilities in a battlefield environment. Conducted during the Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE) 2025, the trial showcased the drone’s effectiveness in targeting enemy assets quickly and precisely.

A New Era of Infantry Precision Strike

The Hellhound S3 is a turbojet-powered, 3D-printed loitering munition developed to provide U.S. Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs) with long-range strike capabilities. Traditionally, such precision-strike power was available only to Armored Brigades, but the Hellhound S3 changes that by offering high-speed engagement of time-sensitive targets, including tanks, fortified positions, and armored vehicles.

With a top speed of 384 mph (over 610 km/h), the Hellhound S3 significantly outpaces quadcopters and propeller-driven drones, making it ideal for rapid battlefield deployment. Sheila Cummings, CEO of Cummings Aerospace, emphasized the importance of speed, stating that while traditional drones take time to reach targets, the Hellhound S3 is already striking deep into enemy territory before they even arrive.

Successful Test and Future Readiness

The test flight featured a GPS-guided tactical mission using an inert warhead, successfully meeting all primary objectives. The performance was validated at Technology Readiness Level 7 (TRL-7), confirming its operational reliability in field conditions.

The Hellhound S3 is lightweight and man-portable, with the entire system—including the drone, launch canister, and control unit—weighing under 11.3 kg. Its modular design allows for quick payload swaps in under five minutes, enabling soldiers to adapt the system for different mission needs, such as:

• Explosive warheads for high-impact strikes
• Electronic warfare tools to disrupt enemy communication
• Surveillance sensors for battlefield intelligence

Cost-Effective and Scalable for the Future

Built using U.S. Department of Defense-approved commercial components and advanced 3D-printing technology, the Hellhound S3 is more cost-effective than traditional strike drones. While pricing has not been disclosed, comparable loitering munitions typically cost in the low six-figure euro range, making it an affordable alternative to conventional precision-strike systems.

Cummings Aerospace plans to conduct further flight tests in the coming months, aiming to complete TRL-7 evaluations and prepare for full deployment. The company is also set to submit a formal proposal for the U.S. Army’s Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program, which seeks next-generation infantry-deployable loitering munitions.

A Game-Changer for Modern Warfare

The Hellhound S3 represents a new generation of high-speed, modular loitering munitions designed for infantry use in modern battlefields. Its ability to strike faster, reach deeper, and engage critical targets makes it a significant asset for the U.S. military and potentially allied forces worldwide.