BlueHalo has successfully conducted a live fire testing of its Next-Generation Counter-Uncrewed Aerial System (C-UAS) Missile (NGCM), designated Freedom Eagle-1 (FE-1).
In January, at Yuma Proving Ground, three Controlled Test Vehicle (CTV) live fire tests were conducted. FE-1 successfully launched and performed its planned flight profile in each test. Data collected included video, system and sensor logs, radar tracks, and RF diagnostics. This data is being used to evaluate the missile’s guidance, navigation, and control systems, as well as to refine aerodynamic models. The goal of these tests is to mitigate technical risks associated with the program.
The recent demonstration is the latest in a string of FE-1 milestones, highlighting its development timeline:
Last June, BlueHalo announced its selection, along with competitor RTX, 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.
BlueHalo is continuing development of FE-1, with a customer live-fire demonstration planned for the third quarter of 2025. The FE-1 program is responding to legislative emphasis on enhanced C-UAS capabilities, as reflected in the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The missile is designed to address the evolving UAS threat landscape, specifically the need for increased range, lethality, and adaptability in countering advanced drone threats. It aims to provide a layered and cost-effective defense strategy.
FE-1 is designed to engage larger UAS (Group 3 and above) with improved maneuverability, range, and launch speed. The system aims to overcome limitations of current C-UAS solutions in effectively engaging advanced, larger drones. The system is intended to enhance warfighter lethality and combat effectiveness, and to expand national security air defense capabilities.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet grew in importance as a research tool, he helped design the company's Forecast Intelligence Center and currently coordinates the EMarket Alert newsletters for clients. Richard also manages social media efforts, including two new blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, covering defense systems and international issues, and Flight Plan, which focuses on commercial aviation and space systems. For over 30 years, Richard has authored the Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International) services. The two books provide detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database that tracks all the contractors involved in the programs covered in the FI library. More recently he was appointed Manager, Information Services Group (ISG), a new unit that encompasses developing outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
