(Graphic by Alex Hollings)

SANDBOXX has a report on a new weapon, “Anduril’s mini-cruise missile is like a Hellfire on steroids.”

I have been advocating for Hellfire, or something similar, for some time as an answer to the possibility of an attack using small, fast, highly maneuverable surface craft (manned or unmanned). It could also work against some aircraft and have at least a minimal capability against an attack using a medium to large vessel. This new weapon seems to be a significant improvement and reportedly at a lower cost. Even if the Coast Guard does not get it, but DOD does, it might free up stocks of Hellfire for Coast Guard use. If the Coast Guard does get the system, it would mean that a single launch platform could cover a very large area, if they could get targeting from units on scene.

Apparently, this is not yet a program of record, but it certainly looks promising and Anduril has a good record of producing affordable innovative weapons.

Differences in capabilities between Barracuda M-100 and the Legacy Hellfire and JAGM are a larger warhead (40 pounds vs 20) and much longer range (138 miles vs at most 21). A disadvantage is lower maximum speed (roughly 500 knots vs 860 knots). The speed difference may not actually be significant over the entire range since Hellfire and JAGM are rocket powered so they don’t necessarily fly under power the entire range, rather they accelerate to a maximum speed, sustain for a period, and then coast to their maximum range. The Barracuda M-100 would be fully powered, accelerating to its maximum speed, over any range Hellfire or JAGM could reach and well beyond that.

The M-100 is the smallest of the Anduril line of Barracuda cruise missiles.

Barracuda line of AAVs and Weapons (graphic created by Alex Hollings using Anduril images)

In the video below, there is more information on the company, the defense industry and what is wrong with it, and even a “Lord of the Rings” connection. It’s almost an hour, but it is very interesting.