3 ms·

I don't really think that's remotely comparable. The Roadrunner is around the size of a person and can launch unsupported from the ground (i.e. sit it upright a

I don't really think that's remotely comparable. The Roadrunner is around the size of a person and can launch unsupported from the ground (i.e. sit it upright and press a button on a tablet). The roadrunner nest installations are marginally larger, containing just enough space for a fuel tank (to refuel unsuccessful or cancelled intercept attempts) and power to keep them operating. So in the space that you can fit a Gepard, you can fit lets say 20 roadrunner nests. You can take those in a truck, drive around and scatter them around the site with some camouflaging. If you are only expecting occasional missile/rocket attacks, you can build a net for intercepts that is far wider than you can realistically with stationary or even mobile AA guns. But the real value of it for the customer (special operations) is that you can realistically have 2-4 people carry one in a box by hand or in the back of a jeep and in a matter of minutes, set it up, and shoot down an aircraft (or any other moving target).

RandomLensman 3y ago
I get the special operations need. However, 20 roadrunners is 20 successful intercepts at best - if you want to go down cost curves you need really cheap intercepts.
- CuriousCosmic 3y ago
  I think there are different cost curves though. If you are expecting mass swarms of drones, rockets, and/or missiles, then traditional AA installations make more sense. But if you are expecting only intermittent intercepts then the cost per intercept is probably going to be lower with something like the what Anduril is offering as cursory searches suggest the Roadrunner is going to be priced around 100k-300k per unit. And this fits in nicely with their far cheaper Anvil-M interceptors (low speed, quadcopter interceptors) where anvil would take the ultra cheap drones while Roadrunner takes the high altitude or jet/rocket powered targets.
luma 3y ago
All great points and I'll add one - the operator will be far away from the weapons, so even if they are sighted and targeted you minimize human casualties and it won't give up the teams' position.

RandomLensman 3y ago

I get the special operations need. However, 20 roadrunners is 20 successful intercepts at best - if you want to go down cost curves you need really cheap intercepts.

CuriousCosmic 3y ago
I think there are different cost curves though. If you are expecting mass swarms of drones, rockets, and/or missiles, then traditional AA installations make more sense. But if you are expecting only intermittent intercepts then the cost per intercept is probably going to be lower with something like the what Anduril is offering as cursory searches suggest the Roadrunner is going to be priced around 100k-300k per unit. And this fits in nicely with their far cheaper Anvil-M interceptors (low speed, quadcopter interceptors) where anvil would take the ultra cheap drones while Roadrunner takes the high altitude or jet/rocket powered targets.

luma 3y ago

All great points and I'll add one - the operator will be far away from the weapons, so even if they are sighted and targeted you minimize human casualties and it won't give up the teams' position.