Pyros small tactical munition completed a successful warhead and guidance system test, according to Raytheon.

There are three choices for guiding the weapon to the target: GPS coordinates, inertial navigation or laser designation.   There are also three options for engaging the target: height-of-burst, point-of-impact or fuze-delay detonation. The end-to-end test validated the weapon's guidance modes (semi-active laser and global positioning system), its height-of-burst sensor, electronic safe and arm device, and multi-effects warhead.

During the test, Pyros was dropped from a Raytheon Cobra unmanned aircraft in parameters closely approximating those typically seen in current contingency operations. The target simulated insurgents planting an improvised explosive device. While directly over the target, the warhead detonated at a predetermined height following inputs from the weapon's height-of-burst sensor.

At 13.5 pounds and 22 inches, Pyros is the smallest air-launched weapon in the Raytheon portfolio.  The gravity-dropped bomb features GPS/INS and digital semi-active laser guidance. Pyros is also small enough to be employed from the U.S. military's common launch tube. While specially designed for unmanned aircraft systems, it is also suitable for rotary-wing scout platforms and light attack aircraft.

"All systems functioned perfectly," said Tom Bussing, vice president of Advanced Missile Systems for Raytheon Missile Systems. "This test demonstrated the technical maturity of Pyros, which is designed from the ground up with small, tactical unmanned aircraft systems in mind. Our next step is to complete ongoing integration work on fielded platforms and prepare for production."