Rapid Dragon: A Game-changer in Stand-Off Weapons Delivery | Aviation International News

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Rapid Dragon: A Game-changer in Stand-Off Weapons Delivery

A program between the U.S. defense industry and several military customers called Rapid Dragon allows for delivery of munitions from non-combat aircraft.

A standard cargo version of the Palletized Munition Deployment System drops from a C-17A. (Photo: Air Force Research Laboratories) — A standard cargo version of the palletized munition deployment system drops from a C-17A. (Photo: Air Force Research Laboratories)

By Reuben F. Johnson

June 17, 2023

A cooperative program between the U.S. defense industry and several of its military customers called Rapid Dragon is revolutionizing the ability of foreign air forces to deliver long-range munitions from non-combat aircraft. The result will give nations the capacity to conduct deep strike missions without the requirement for a stealthy fighter design or a long-range bomber as the delivery platform.

Rising lethality of air defense systems across the globe and increasing ranges and probability of a kill of the latest active-homing air-to-air missiles have prompted most modern air forces to arm their fighters with stand-off weapons, thereby keeping the aircraft launching the weapon well outside the engagement envelope of most threat systems.

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