Mayhem 10 Drone

Manufacturer: AeroVironment
Category: Attack & Multirole Drones (UAVs)
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Maximum Speed 120+ mph (193 km/h) dash
Endurance 50+ minutes
Operational Range 100+ km
Payload Capacity 10 lb (4.5 kg) modular

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	Mayhem 10
Manufacturer	AeroVironment, Inc. (AV)
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Multi-role Launched Effects / Group 2 UAS
First Flight / Introduced	2026 (Debut)
Status	Under Development / Low-Rate Initial Production
Unit Cost	Not publicly disclosed (attritable design)

2. Performance

Maximum Speed	120+ mph (193 km/h) dash
Cruise Speed	80 mph (128 km/h)
Operational Range	100+ km
Endurance	50+ minutes
Service Ceiling	Not publicly specified

3. Dimensions

Length

All-Up Round (AUR) WeightApprox. 42 lb (19 kg)

4. Payload & Armament

Payload Capacity	10 lb (4.5 kg) modular
Sensors	Tailorable modular payloads; AI-enabled autonomy

5. Propulsion

Engine Type	Not publicly detailed (electric or hybrid suitable for small UAS)
Propeller Type	Optimized for cruise/dash performance and low acoustic signature

6. Communication & Control

Control Type	Remote / Highly Autonomous
Data Link Range	Resistant to jamming/spoofing; integrates with AV systems
Navigation	GPS/INS with contested-environment resilience
Ground Control Station	Collaborative swarm operations supported

7. Operational Use

Primary Users	U.S. Army and potential U.S. allies (targeted)
Combat Proven	Not yet (newly introduced)
Notable Operations	Multi-platform launch; rapid deployment; MOSA architecture

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

7.8

Technology 7 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 8 / 10
Operational Flexibility 8 / 10

PROS

Highly modular 10 lb (4.5 kg) payload enables quick swaps between ISR, EW, comms relay, and lethal effects without changing launch systems.
Multi-domain deployment flexibility from air, ground, and maritime platforms increases operational versatility.
Autonomous and AI-assisted capabilities support swarm coordination and performance in contested, jammed environments.
Rapid assembly and launch (under 5 minutes) enhances tactical responsiveness for forward units.
Extends standoff range to 100+ km while keeping risk to manned platforms low.

CONS

Limited endurance of approximately 50 minutes restricts loiter time compared to larger medium-altitude UAVs.
10 lb payload capacity constrains warhead size or sensor sophistication relative to heavier systems.
Short-range classification may require closer host platform positioning in very deep battlespaces.
As a newly introduced system, full integration and combat-proven data are still emerging.
Dependence on compatible launch platforms and ground control interfaces could add logistical complexity in joint operations.

Mayhem 10 Combat Drone

The Mayhem 10 represents a significant evolution in tactical unmanned systems, offering U.S. forces a flexible, multi-role launched effects platform designed for contested environments. Developed as the first entry in AeroVironment’s new launched effects family, it builds directly on the proven heritage of the company’s Switchblade loitering munitions while expanding mission options beyond one-way kinetic strikes.

Manufacturer and Origin

AeroVironment, Inc. (AV), a leading U.S. defense contractor headquartered in Virginia, manufactures the Mayhem 10. The system aligns with U.S. Army requirements for attritable, modular Group 2 unmanned aerial systems capable of delivering coordinated effects at standoff distances.

Purpose and Major Capabilities

Designed for deployment from air, ground, and maritime platforms, the Mayhem 10 extends host platform reach by pushing sensing and effects forward without exposing high-value assets. Its modular payload architecture supports rapid reconfiguration for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare (EW), communications relay, deception, or precision strike missions. The system emphasizes autonomy, AI-enabled operations, and resistance to jamming and spoofing in GPS-denied settings. It also supports collaborative swarm operations for synchronized multi-effect employment.

Speed and Range

The Mayhem 10 achieves a cruise speed of approximately 80 mph (128 km/h) and a dash speed exceeding 120 mph (193 km/h). It provides an operational range of over 100 km and endurance of more than 50 minutes, positioning it effectively in the short-range tier of launched effects systems while offering meaningful standoff. Assembly and launch readiness takes under five minutes using a self-contained launcher suitable for dismounted, vehicle-mounted, or air-launched operations.

Cost/Price

Exact unit pricing has not been publicly disclosed, consistent with ongoing development and low-rate initial production plans. As an attritable system, it is engineered for cost-effective, scalable employment compared to larger tactical UAVs.

The Mayhem 10 uses a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) for future upgrades and third-party payload integration. It integrates with AV’s control interfaces, enabling networked operations that enhance force multiplication in dynamic battlespaces.

Reviews

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