OPF-L seeks to arm Marines with easy-to-use, explosives-laden, man-portable loitering munitions, also commonly referred to as kamikaze drones. The Corps is also seeking launchers for these weapons on ground vehicles and uncrewed surface vessels. You can read more about the Corps’ move to a robotic future in the air, sea and ground in our recent story here.
Rogue 1 will allow Marines to conduct “precision strikes against moving and stationary armored targets, soft-skinned vehicles, and dismounted threats,” the company said. “An advanced fuzing system on Rogue 1 features a first-of-its-kind mechanical interrupt that allows the aircraft to be safely recovered and reused when targets are disengaged or missions are aborted.” Exactly why this is so novel isn't clear as this is a capability that does exist on other types.
The drone has a 30-minute flight time, can burst to speeds up to 70 mph and strike targets up to six miles away.
It also features "electro-optical and FLIR Boson 640+ thermal cameras to deliver day/night long-range reconnaissance and surveillance," the company states. A "novel coupling between sensors and warhead in the gimballed payload enables extremely precise targeting."
The EFP warhead is designed to strike adversary armor and the full-width fragmenting warhead its personnel.
@ISIDEWITH2 týdny2W
Reflecting on the deployment of kamikaze drones like Rogue 1 by the Marines, how does this shift towards more robotic warfare affect your views on the human cost of conflict?
@ISIDEWITH2 týdny2W
If technology continues to advance in warfare, leading to more autonomous weapons, what concerns does that raise for you about the future of military engagements?
@ISIDEWITH2 týdny2W
Considering the capabilities of kamikaze drones for reconnaissance and targeting, do you believe their use increases or decreases the ethical dilemmas faced in combat situations?
