Rapid Dragon Demonstrates Palletized Munition Capability in First System-Level Flights

The Rapid Dragon team conducted an airdrop from C-17A and EC-130SJ aircraft, and, at an operationally relevant altitude, the pallets released surrogate missiles in quick succession, each aerodynamically identical to a JASSM-ER By DA Staff / 23 Sep 2021

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
C-17-Rapid-Dragon-Airdrop
Follow DA

In partnership with the U.S. Air Force (USAF), Lockheed Martin has deployed Rapid Dragon munition pallets from C-17 and EC‑130 aircraft and released surrogate JASSM-ERs in system-level flights conducted over White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. 

Rapid Dragon is a fast-paced USAF Strategic Development Planning and Experimentation (SDPE) program that has moved from concept to surrogate missile deployment in just 10 months.

The Rapid Dragon team conducted an airdrop from a C-17A Globemaster III and another from an EC-130SJ Commando Solo. In both flights, aircrews deployed a pallet at an operationally relevant altitude. Once stabilized by parachutes, the pallets released surrogate missiles in quick succession, each aerodynamically identical to a JASSM-ER.

A ground crew transmitted new targeting information to the Rapid Dragon system during both flights via beyond line-of-sight communications. The ability to retarget missiles while the aircraft is airborne provides combatant commanders the flexibility to respond to changes in a dynamic operational environment.

“These Rapid Dragon deployments represent the first end-to-end demonstration of a palletized strike mission, from rolling missile pallets onto an aircraft to in-flight missile release,” said Scott Callaway, Lockheed Martin Advanced Strike Programs director. 

“They are a big step toward showing the feasibility of the palletized munitions concept and the ability of mobility aircraft to augment the strike capacity of tactical fighters and strategic bombers.”

SDPE and Lockheed Martin are conducting additional tests in coming months, culminating in an MC‑130J airdrop of a real JASSM-ER under powered flight by the end of 2021.

Posted by DA Staff Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Latest USV Platform Enables Versatile Operations in Contested Waters

SubSea Craft’s MARS is a rapidly developed, modular uncrewed surface vessel built to enhance maritime operations with scalable, multi-mission capability and autonomous deployment

May 20, 2025
New Line of Kinetic-Capable Unmanned Surface Vessels Introduced

Red Cat Holdings enters the maritime autonomy market with a new line of combat-proven USVs, expanding its multi-domain unmanned systems for naval operations

May 20, 2025
Rugged Military Computing Solutions Being Showcased at AFCEA 2025

Getac's latest rugged military computing technologies will be presented at AFCEA 2025, highlighting the company's technical solutions across military use-cases

May 19, 2025
Triad RF: Advancing Radio Testing with T006 & ARTS Automation

Triad RF’s T006 Rack and ARTS automate high-power radio testing, delivering faster, more consistent validation with improved isolation and performance validated through flight testing for mission-critical applications

May 19, 2025
Swedish Army Advances C2 Digitization with MilDef Technology

MilDef has been commissioned by FMV to deliver IT equipment that supports the Swedish Army’s digitization and enhanced command-and-control (C2) capabilities

May 19, 2025
Meltio’s Metal 3D Printing Technology Introduced in Mexico

Meltio’s wire-laser metal 3D printing technology has been introduced in Mexico through a strategic alliance with Sitres Latam, Alar, and Tecnológico de Monterrey, with applications spanning industry, education, and research

May 16, 2025

Featured Content

New Line of Kinetic-Capable Unmanned Surface Vessels Introduced

Red Cat Holdings enters the maritime autonomy market with a new line of combat-proven USVs, expanding its multi-domain unmanned systems for naval operations

May 20, 2025
Next-Gen Group 2 UAS Enters Production with Extended Endurance & Upgrades

Aurora Flight Sciences upgrades the SKIRON-X Group 2 UAS with greater versatility and tactical mission endurance, as well as announcing the hydrogen-powered SKIRON-XLE variant

May 13, 2025
Discover ANELLO’s SiPhOG™ for GNSS-Denied Navigation at XPO25

CEO of ANELLO Photonics, Dr. Mario Paniccia, will present at Xponential 2025 on the company's SiPhOG-based inertial navigation technology in GPS-denied and GNSS-contested environments.

May 09, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.