Long Range Counter UAS

The Long Range Counter UAS Base Protection System is designed to protect critical infrastructure and forward operating bases, providing comprehensive long-range detection, tracking, and low-cost neutralization of hostile UAS targets. The system employs the Bandito Precision Guided Loitering Munition (PGLM), a high-speed interceptor designed to defeat hostile drones through precision kinetic engagement. The system represents the next generation of defensive capabilities against hostile UAS.

The system integrates with existing radar sensors using the Bandito Ground Control Station (BGCS) Interface developed by GT Aeronautics. The interface connects Program-of-Record radar systems (AESA preferred) through existing Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2) networks such as FAADC2 and LINK-16. The architecture enables operators to detect, track, intercept, and engage hostile drones before they reach protected assets.

Bandito interceptors, with speeds up to 150 mph, rapidly engage targets up to five miles from its firing location, allowing base defenders to neutralize threats well outside the defended perimeter of an installation.

A defining feature of the Bandito PGLM is its extremely low Radar Cross Section (RCS), making the munition very difficult for radar systems to detect or track during flight. Testing at Naval Base Ventura County confirmed that the Bandito radar signature was orders of magnitude smaller than expected, resulting in classification of the RCS characteristics due to its extremely low detectability.

During the terminal phase of engagement, a bore-sighted Forward Look Camera (FLC) provides visual acquisition, combat identification (CID), and optical guidance. Operators maintain full control of the engagement and may continue a radar-guided intercept, manually adjust the flight path for precision impact, or designate targets optically. Operators can abort the engagement or recall the munition at any time during a mission.

Modular payload pylons allow the platform to support multi-mission configurations including ISR, chem/bio, energetics, electronic warfare, and other non-kinetic defeat mechanisms such as electromagnetic proximity effects.

Bandito munitions are launched from a Ground Launch Catapult (GLC), a Man-Portable Ground Launch Catapult (MPGLC), or by hand. Future deployment concepts include air-launch from GT Aeronautics tactical UAS (TACAMO and Bandit) or other tactical UAS platforms, significantly extending the endurance and operational reach of the Bandito munition.

Future development objectives include integration of open-architecture avionics to a single circuit board, autonomous intercept, and simplified manufacturing processes to enable large-scale production. The advancements will allow production volumes exceeding 1,000 units/month.

With projected production costs below $1,000 per interceptor, Bandito provides a scalable and economically sustainable solution for defending military bases and high-value critical infrastructure against large numbers of low-cost drone threats.

NOTE: Performance specifications were formally tested and validated at six Black Dart Counter UAS exercises where the Bandito demonstrated long-range (40nm) detection of small UAS targets, precision air-to-air intercepts, and precision engagements of small UAS targets to within 18 inches. Specifications are based on integration to specific Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars. Contact GT Aeronautics for detailed operational capabilities and integration options.