// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
LIDS
LIDS is an acronym for a counter-drone system designed to defeat "Low, Slow, and Small" unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). It integrates multiple sensors and weapons to detect, track, and neutralize threats like commercial quadcopters, which are difficult for traditional air defenses to engage.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
LIDS (Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aerial System Integrated Defeat System) is a C-UAS (Counter-Unmanned Aerial System) architecture providing layered defense against low-altitude, slow-velocity, small radar cross-section aerial threats. This system-of-systems integrates kinetic effectors (e.g., guns, missiles) and non-kinetic effectors (e.g., jammers, high-power microwaves) with sensors like radar and EO/IR cameras for force protection and critical infrastructure defense.
BACKGROUND
The Raytheon Coyote is a small, expendable, unmanned aircraft system built by the Raytheon Company, with the capability of operating in autonomous swarms. It is launched from a sonobuoy canister with the wings deploying in early flight phase.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- C-UAS
- Counter-Drone System
- Anti-Drone System
- C-sUAS
- Drone Defense
- SHORAD
USAGE NOTE
While LIDS can refer to a specific U.S. Army program, the term is also used more broadly to describe the entire category of low, slow, and small drone threats.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to LIDS.
A primary developer of core components for the U.S. Army's LIDS. RTX manufactures the Ku-band Radio Frequency System (KuRFS) radar for detection and the Coyote drone as a kinetic interceptor, both of which are fundamental elements of the system.
A not-for-profit research and development corporation that develops critical sensor technology for C-UAS. They produce the AN/TPQ-50 radar, which has been adapted and integrated into LIDS configurations for its effectiveness in detecting low, slow, and small aerial targets.
A major defense contractor and systems integrator responsible for the Mobile LIDS (M-LIDS) program for the U.S. Army. This system integrates a suite of sensors, command and control, and electronic warfare capabilities onto a vehicle for on-the-move counter-drone defense.
Specializes in electronic warfare (EW) solutions for defeating unmanned systems. Their technologies, such as the CORIAN system, are used to detect, identify, and disrupt the control links of UAS, providing a non-kinetic defeat option for layered defense systems like LIDS.
Integrates complex weapon systems onto military vehicles. They are the prime contractor for the Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) system, which incorporates C-UAS capabilities on a Stryker platform to protect maneuvering forces, a mission closely related to LIDS.
A defense technology company that uses AI and software to develop C-UAS solutions. Their Lattice platform integrates sensors for autonomous detection and tracking, and can deploy effectors like the Anvil interceptor drone to counter threats.
The central Department of Defense organization responsible for leading and directing all counter-small unmanned aircraft systems efforts. While not a manufacturer, the JCO sets the requirements, tests systems, and guides the overall development strategy for capabilities like LIDS.
Provides integrated C-UAS solutions for mobile and fixed-site applications. The company develops and integrates multi-mission systems that combine radar, electro-optical/infrared sensors, and various kinetic and non-kinetic effectors to defeat UAS threats.