Cummings Aerospace has completed testing of its 3D-printed Hellhound S3 drone at the Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE) 2025. The turbojet-powered unmanned aircraft system reached speeds of 384 mph during earlier tests in January. This demonstration marked the system’s first flight on a U.S. Army test range.
The Hellhound S3 is designed to provide Infantry Brigade Combat Teams with long-range strike capabilities against armored vehicles and fortified positions. The complete system weighs under 25 pounds, allowing for single-soldier deployment. Its modular design accommodates various payload options, including warheads and electronic warfare equipment, which can be changed in under 5 minutes.
“Hellhound’s performance at AEWE 2025 highlighted a fundamental reality — speed matters, and quadcopters and prop-driven drones take too long to get downrange,” said Sheila Cummings, CEO of Cummings Aerospace. The demonstration also provided an opportunity for engineers to collect feedback from military personnel for future refinements.
The system utilizes 3D printing technology and Department of Defense-approved commercial components in its construction. This manufacturing approach aims to reduce production costs and simplify logistics compared to traditional systems.
Cummings Aerospace, a Native American Woman-Owned Small Business based in Huntsville, Alabama, developed the Hellhound as part of a broader family of unmanned aircraft systems. The company specializes in missile systems, hypersonic vehicles, and radar technology for defense applications.
Source: prnewswire.com
