Anduril Tests New High-Speed Autonomous Missile ‘Barracuda-100M’ for U.S. Army

Anduril’s Barracuda-100M autonomous air vehicle (AAV) completed powered flight tests in May 2025 for the U.S. Army DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC) under the High-Speed Maneuverable Missile (HSMM) program.

The HSMM effort aims to develop a high-speed, maneuverable, modular, and affordable air vehicle testbed for the Army’s Precision Target Acquisition Seeker (PTAS) payload. PTAS uses video feedback and a Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) camera to passively track previously identified targets. Anduril integrated PTAS autonomy into its Lattice for Mission Autonomy suite, allowing rapid payload and system integration for varied missions.

In collaboration with AvMC’s Technology Development Directorate (TDD-M), Anduril conducted trade studies and design reviews in 2023. In 2024, it achieved milestones including full-scale transonic wind tunnel testing, environmental evaluations, captive carriage flights, glide testing, engine tests, and powered flights—moving from concept to flight in under two years, with a 12-month test campaign.

In May 2025, Anduril conducted more powered flights using updated software and hardware. Enhancements included a low-cost navigator, independent mission computer, and design changes for improved manufacturability. All test objectives—autonomous launch, full mission execution, and terminal guidance strikes—were met or exceeded. The Barracuda-100M demonstrated speeds over 500 knots and high-G maneuvers, validating its compact, modular design for new tactical force concepts.

Ground-launch demonstrations are planned for later in 2025 to validate multi-domain launch capability. These tests aim to support mobile ground forces with a fast, maneuverable, extended-range, and mass-producible direct attack munition. A live-fire demonstration will conclude the HSMM program in 2026.

Barracuda-100M is a software-defined, hardware-enabled platform designed for scalable production and high-volume operations. It offers ten times the range of similarly sized Hellfire missiles at similar cost and supports Anduril’s Lattice software and third-party autonomy frameworks. Its modular architecture accommodates various payloads and sensors and supports launches from air and ground systems, including fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, airlift platforms, and mobile ground units.