In this episode of Weapons and Warfare, the people who help put the show together are looking back at some of their favorite weapon of the week features. This includes host and reporter Ryan Robertson, senior producer Brett Baker, video editor Brian Spencer and graphics designer Dakota Piteo.
The following summaries have been abbreviated for length and clarity. Watch the video above to see the entire features!
AFRL Paladin Drone Interceptor: Dakota Piteo
First off is the Paladin Multi-Mission Unmanned Aircraft System from the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL). It’s a drone interceptor complete with a UAS detector, a loudspeaker for when a verbal warning could be effective and a Benelli M4 shotgun. That way the Paladin has both defensive and offensive advantages.
According to the AFRL, the Paladin is in late-stage developments and will be going through an operational assessment during fiscal year 2025. Plans for delivery and implementation will be made following the testing.
Boeing MQ-25 Stingray: Brian Spencer
The the Boeing MQ-25 Stingray is an unmanned aircraft the U.S. Navy hopes will help carrier air wings and carrier strike groups maximize their air power.
The MQ-25 can act as a flying gas station for some of the Navy’s planes while also gathering intelligence using its surveillance and reconnaissance technologies.
Boeing announced the project in April 2018. In February 2024, Boeing handed over the first Stingray to the Navy for testing, and it is heading to sea for its first test aboard an aircraft carrier.
Boeing beat out General Atomic and Lockheed Martin for an $805 million contract for the right to build the Stingray. If all goes well, the contract will provide the Navy with four more Stingrays for its fleet.
Bounce Imaging Ball: Brett Baker
The Bounce Imaging Ball — an “elegant solution to a real problem,” according to Baker.
The ball is a throwable, 360-degree tactile camera from Bounce Imaging. It can be thrown into a potentially dangerous environment to provide police, law enforcement and special force operators an instant 360 degree view of what’s going on in that space.
The ball has more tech than what meets the eye. It is equipped with six cameras and a two-way radio that lets people talk to each other through the ball. The audio system can help the users communicate in tight situations.
AFRL Mutant Missile: Ryan Robertson
Finally is the MUTANT — an acronym for Missile Utility Transformation via Articulated Nose Technology — from the AFRL. This weapon can adjust for slight misses while in flight. This ensures that when the MUTANT is used, it hits whatever the target may be. However, researchers are still working out how the MUTANT will be used.
Amidst multiple international wars, air defense systems are extremely important. Even groups like Houthi rebels have these air defense systems which are presenting a threat to the U.S. and its systems. That makes having a way to counteract those threats vital.
The MUTANT is set for testing later in 2024. It is unclear when the missile will officially be ready for use.
You can subscribe to the Weapons and Warfare podcast on the platform of your choosing here.
