BlueHalo Completes Test of Next Generation C-UAS Missile

May 1, 2025

BlueHalo
Arlington, VA
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www.bluehalo.com

BlueHalo, the company transforming the future of global defense with actively deployed and operationally proven Counter-Uncrewed Aerial System (C-UAS) solutions, announced the successful live fire demonstration of its Next-Generation C-UAS Missile (NGCM) – Freedom Eagle-1 (FE-1), addressing the critical need for munitions industrial base expansion to meet the rapidly evolving advanced aerial threats.

During the first Controlled Test Vehicle (CTV) live fire demonstration held in January at Yuma Proving Ground, Team BlueHalo conducted three missile test flights. In each of the three tests, FE-1 launched successfully and performed its flight as planned, affirming BlueHalo’s commitment to a rapid development schedule. The team collected video, system and sensor data logs, radar tracks, and RF diagnostics data from each flight test to evaluate the missile’s guidance, navigation, and control systems and analyze aerodynamic models to drive down significant technical risk associated with the program.

“Going three for three on the first ever launch during the development of a new kinetic missile program is an astounding engineering feat and a testament to our team’s incredible dedication and expertise,” said James Batt, BlueHalo Chief Growth Officer.

The recent demonstration is the latest in a string of FE-1 milestones. Last June, BlueHalo announced its selection as one of two vendors chosen to continue development of the NGCM by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center (CCDC AvMC) Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium® (AMTC). In August, the company announced the completion of multiple rounds of testing for the FE-1, including the successful firing of its dual-thrust, solid rocket motor.

In December, BlueHalo successfully completed warhead detonation testing, which collected impact data against simulated targets. Test data included penetration depths, velocities, impacts, and panel frag patterns, which will be used to confirm FE-1’s lethality predictions and support continued warhead development.

“While competitors in the NGCM program remain focused on conceptual presentations, BlueHalo is actively building and testing flight hardware,” said Batt. “Team BlueHalo went from paper design to first flight in 107 days, demonstrating incredible innovation and a commitment to the NGCM program.”

BlueHalo’s continued investment and acceleration in the development of FE-1 – with a planned customer live-fire demonstration in 3Q 2025 – is in response to legislative affirmation to this capability is a priority of growing importance. FE-1 is a critical response to the evolving UAS threat landscape. Supported by Congressional oversight, significant budgetary allocations, and the recognition of current system limitations, it addresses the need for enhanced range, lethality, and adaptability. This missile ensures a layered, cost-effective defense strategy, protecting national security interests against increasingly sophisticated drone threats.

“It’s clear that the new administration wants middle-tier acquisition going faster and fielding technology quicker,” said Jonathan Moneymaker, BlueHalo Chief Executive Officer. “Additionally, Congress is supportive of additional effectors to get longer range, at higher altitudes, against a threat that is evolving faster than we can keep pace with current systems. We’re moving at the speed necessary to meet the need, even if it requires our own internal funding to make it happen.”

BlueHalo’s FE-1 is designed to counter larger UAS (Group 3 and above) with enhanced maneuverability, range, and rapid launch capabilities. This addresses the limitations of current systems, which cannot effectively engage advanced, larger drones.

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