Unmanned systems, and primarily vehicles, and in most embodiments unmanned aerial systems (UAS), as well as novel guided and unguided munitions are presented herein. to the two combine to present unmanned weaponized systems that not only carry weapons functionality, but allow for advanced observation and reconnaissance. These unmanned systems are largely directed toward military applications where the weaponized unmanned system may be forward deployed to allow human warfighters to remain at long range distances from the potential targets, and to provide surveillance, target identification and tracking, general reconnaissance information, and the like, while also providing weaponized attack capabilities. The unmanned systems may, in some embodiments, include advanced command and control capabilities for communication between the system and the remote, rear-positioned warfighter, and between separate elements of the unmanned system. Many embodiments also include weapons systems, munitions, or rounds with guidance and real-time maneuverability capabilities as well.

Unmanned systems, and primarily vehicles, and in most embodiments unmanned aerial systems (UAS), as well as novel guided and unguided munitions are presented herein. to the two combine to present unmanned weaponized systems that not only carry weapons functionality, but allow for advanced observation and reconnaissance. These unmanned systems are largely directed toward military applications where the weaponized unmanned system may be forward deployed to allow human warfighters to remain at long range distances from the potential targets, and to provide surveillance, target identification and tracking, general reconnaissance information, and the like, while also providing weaponized attack capabilities. The unmanned systems may, in some embodiments, include advanced command and control capabilities for communication between the system and the remote, rear-positioned warfighter, and between separate elements of the unmanned system. Many embodiments also include weapons systems, munitions, or rounds with guidance and real-time maneuverability capabilities as well.

A weaponized aerial vehicle includes an aerial vehicle and a projectile delivery system mounted on the aerial vehicle for flight therewith. The projectile delivery system includes a projectile and a base system. The projectile includes: a projectile body; an onboard steering system including a steering mechanism operable to change an attitude, orientation, and/or direction of flight of the projectile, and a steering actuator operable to control the steering mechanism; and an energetic payload. The base system includes: a projectile holder; a target tracking system; and a projectile guidance system including a projectile tracking system and a projectile control system. The base system is configured to: release the projectile from the projectile holder such that the projectile is driven toward a target by gravity; track the target; track the released projectile; and automatically control the onboard steering system of the projectile to steer the projectile to the target.

A weaponized aerial vehicle includes an aerial vehicle and a projectile delivery system mounted on the aerial vehicle for flight therewith. The projectile delivery system includes a projectile and a base system. The projectile includes: a projectile body; an onboard steering system including a steering mechanism operable to change an attitude, orientation, and/or direction of flight of the projectile, and a steering actuator operable to control the steering mechanism; and an energetic payload. The base system includes: a projectile holder; a target tracking system; and a projectile guidance system including a projectile tracking system and a projectile control system. The base system is configured to: release the projectile from the projectile holder such that the projectile is driven toward a target by gravity; track the target; track the released projectile; and automatically control the onboard steering system of the projectile to steer the projectile to the target.