The small and stealthy Blackwing aerial drones to be launched from submerged U.S. Navy submarines will allow subs to attack naval targets in denied, contested environments such as those being created by China's anti-access/anti denial (A2/AD) strategy in the South China Sea.

Blackwings can also be weaponized to provide additional protection for submarines operating closer to shore. This means turning the drones into kamikaze aircraft packed with explosives and having them smash into their targets. Blackwing is optimized for survival in A2/AD environments.

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These four-pound unmanned aerial vehicles will serve as the attacking sub's over-the-horizon eyes and ears. It will use its array of electro-optical and infrared sensors to acquire and track enemy combat vessels. In addition, the Blackwing's GPS system is jam proof.

Specifically, Blackwings will provide covert intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition to support full-scale warfare and special operations during surface and sub-surface operations.

The US Navy recently said it will deploy hundreds of these low-cost spies on its fleet of attack and nuclear missile submarines and on unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). It initially plans to buy 150 of this system from its manufacturer, Aerovironment, Inc.

Typical operations will see the Blackwings deployed in the vicinity of targets in A2/AD airspace where activities of other manned or unmanned platforms would be too risky. From its forward position, Blackwings will provide target acquisition and battle damage assessment in support of strikes performed from stand-off range.

Blackwing was developed under the Navy's Advanced Weapons Enhanced by Submarine UAS against Mobile targets (AWESUM) Joint Capability Technology Demonstration.

The Blackwing program was developed in conjunction with U.S. Special Operations Command and can also provide information, surveillance and reconnaissance for Special Operations Forces.

TagsBlackwing, aerial drones, U.S. Navy, A2/AD, china, Aerovironment, Inc., AWESUM