L3Harris raises curtain on Red Wolf launched effect

The L3Harris Red Wolf launched effect on a stand. The vehicle is well into testing, having flown at least 41 times for multiple undisclosed customers. (L3Harris)

L3Harris has for the first time publicly unveiled the Red Wolf launched effect, briefing reporters on 17 July. Although the vehicle has been displayed at a US Army exercise and photographed aboard a US Marine Corps (USMC) Bell AH-1Z Viper, the company had until now declined to discuss the munition.

Red Wolf is a launched effect roughly 6 ft (1.8 m) in length and 2 ft in width, with stowed wings of roughly 2 ft that deploy immediately after launch. The vehicle can reach targets at least 200 n miles away and loiter for at least 60 minutes, according to L3Harris, verified over the course of 41 test flights, with more planned later in 2025. Up to 300 cubic in (7.62 m ³ ) of space is available for payloads; the company declined to specify available payload weight and power. The craft is guided by GPS and an undescribed seeker that allows it to attack moving targets on the ground or at sea; it can also service targets spotted by other craft via satellite communications and other datalinks. Once launched, it travels to its mission area at “high subsonic” speed, the company said.