U.S. Central Command has confirmed that the airstrikes on Iran involved the first combat use of the Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System, or LUCAS drone:
The LUCAS platform is a one-way attack drone reverse-engineered after the Iranian Shahed-136.
Built by the Arizona-based SpektreWorks, the drone, which can be launched via catapults, rocket-assisted takeoff and mobile ground systems, is a spinoff of the company’s FLM 136 target model, one designed for counter-drone training while simulating Iran’s Shahed variant.
The FLM 136 model carries a range capability of around 500 miles, with a maximum payload of 40 pounds, or “roughly twice the explosive yield of a hellfire missile,” according to Alex Hollings, host of Sandboxx News’ FirePower.
With a maximum takeoff weight of 180 pounds, the FLM 136 is significantly lighter than the Iranian Shahed. The platforms are also immensely more cost-effective — and scalable — compared to the more advanced munitions in the U.S. arsenal, carrying a price tag of around $35,000 per unit.
Shit is about to get very real.
For both sides. For everyone. By the way.
Why not just license Harop, which after all had results?
https://www.isegoria.net/2024/10/the-armenians-basked-in-the-glories-of-their-past-victories-and-prepared-for-a-repeat-of-the-first-war/
…and even products of Israeli R&D, which must be noticeably healthier (between presence of HAMAS and absence of FEMEN).