Defense companies BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin lifted veil of secrecy over one of their two interesting projects — thus it became known that classified FalconWorks and Skunk Works units work on interesting weapons sample called Blizzard, which visually has appearance of classic cruise missile, although positioned as modular, multi-mission uncrewed air system.
"Different launch options. One target" — thus BAE Systems commented on short video clip on X social network (formerly Twitter), demonstrating how their new drone launches from ground launcher, fighter, or via dropping pallet with Blizzard from military transport aircraft.
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Details of this development are revealed in The Aviationist publication. Immediately worth noting that with this weapons sample immediately arises question why for Blizzard BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin chose specifically drone designation, since by form factor this product can rather be called cruise missile.
Solution to this question may hide in Blizzard's purpose — if classic cruise missile is strike weaponry, then this new secret development is positioned as modular system, which can be armed with various payload depending on mission needs.
It is declared this drone should provide wide range of operational capabilities and, besides strike variant, can be equipped with electronic warfare assets and so on.
Details regarding Blizzard project so far are very limited — unknown are neither its possible tactical-technical characteristics, nor at what stage this project may be, and significant portion of other information.
Blizzard is part of two defense giants' efforts to create new generation of autonomous platforms that could work together with manned aircraft, although they are not part of so-called loyal wingman CCA program. BAE Systems also emphasizes this should be affordable platform.
Blizzard has open architecture, can operate in GPS signal absence conditions and has dynamic mission reassignment option. Likely for Blizzard also relevant is capability to operate in single swarm, when drones with different payload are united into single system. This will enable best engaging targets and breaking through enemy air defense.
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