Innovation drives the defense industry forward. As U.S. strategy shifts toward the Indo-Pacific, leaders demand faster, smarter solutions from industry partners.
Defense officials now prioritize smaller, more efficient systems over traditional, larger platforms. That shift inspired the development of the Hellhound S3 UAS, a man-portable loitering munition from Cummings Aerospace, and the weapon of the week.
What is the Hellhound?
The Hellhound S3 is a 3D-printed, turbojet-powered drone designed for rapid deployment and flexible mission profiles.
“We’ve demonstrated a top speed of 384 miles per hour,” said Sheila Cummings, founder and CEO of Cummings Aerospace. “That speed gives operators rapid time to target and quick execution.”
Cummings emphasized portability as a core design feature. The drone weighs just 12 pounds and integrates into a 40-pound total system.
“It’s 3D printed, which makes it lightweight and effective,” Cummings said. “We built it to fit into a rucksack for easy transport.”
What makes the Hellhound unique?
Once trained, operators can deploy the system in under two minutes. The drone supports multiple payloads, including munitions, electronic warfare, and radio frequency systems.
“The S3 can carry EW or RF payloads, and others we haven’t even identified yet,” Cummings said. “Its open architecture supports evolving mission needs.”
Cummings Aerospace designed the Hellhound S3 to compete in the U.S. Army’s Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program. Although the Army selected AeroVironment’s Switchblade 600 for the first increment, officials confirmed LASSO will remain a multi-vendor program.
That decision leaves the door open for future opportunities. Cummings remains optimistic about her company’s broader vision.
“Hellhound is a family of UAS products,” she said. “The S3 is just one. We plan to introduce more to support the UAS and counter-UAS markets.”
Cummings Aerospace recently unveiled the Hellhound S4 at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium. The S4 is a Group 2 UAS that may align with future strategic initiatives, including the Golden Dome project.
As battlefield needs evolve, platforms like the Hellhound S3 offer adaptable, cost-effective solutions for modern warfare. Its speed, portability, and modular design make it a strong contender in the next generation of loitering munitions.
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Author: Brett Baker
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