La empresa X-Bow Systems\u00a0(EE.UU) ha presentado un nuevo interceptor supers\u00f3nico de bajo costo, para neutralizar drones de la categor\u00eda Clase 3 (Group 3), como los Shahed-136 iran\u00edes de ataque unidireccional. Este misil denominado BUCKLER, fue dise\u00f1ado con el objetivo de resolver el problema econ\u00f3mico que se plantea a la Def Ae Contra -UAS, de emplear costosos misiles interceptores para destruir vectores de bajo costo. Su principal ventaja competitiva radica en que X-Bow puede fabricar dentro de sus instalaciones tanto el fuselaje, el motor de combustible s\u00f3lido y otros componentes, empleando manufactura aditiva (AM-3DP), superando as\u00ed los cuellos de botella y mayores costos de la cadena de suministro convencional. El interceptor cuenta con capacidades supers\u00f3nicas que le otorgan mayor velocidad de reacci\u00f3n, alcance y maniobra, lo que le permite asimismo destruir misiles de crucero subs\u00f3nicos.<\/p>\n
A US defense company has just unveiled a new supersonic interceptor designed to counter the growing threat of hostile drones, in a bid to address the growing demand for more effective defenses against mass UAV attacks.<\/p>\n
Called Buckler, the system was developed by Texas-based X-Bow Systems, a non-traditional producer of solid rocket motors (SRMs), sub-orbital launch solutions, and defense technologies. It has already completed field testing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
According to the company, the interceptor is built to counter Group 3 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Group 3 drones generally weigh between 56 and 1,320 lbs, and operate at altitudes below 18,000 feet with speeds under 250 knots.<\/p>\n
Group 3 drones are used for reconnaissance and strike missions. X-Bow Systems said that Buckler combines high-speed performance with a design built for large-scale production. It is intended to help militaries defend against more frequent drone attacks at lower cost.<\/p>\n
High speed defense<\/strong><\/p>\n Drones have become increasingly common in modern conflicts. Large swarms of low-cost UAVs are challenging traditional air defense systems, while, at the same time, military planners warn that costly interceptors are not a sustainable solution.<\/p>\n To tackle the issue, X-Bow Systems developed the Buckler interceptor. It is priced under USD 100,000. It recently completed a successful flight test that proved its\u00a0propulsion system<\/a>\u00a0and overall flight performance. The campaign also included static-fire tests of the solid rocket motor and igniter.<\/p>\n