Profile
- Type
- One-way attack UAV / loitering munition
- Conflict side
- United States
- Origin
- United States
- Service note
- Introduced and deployed by U.S. Central Command in 2025
Aircraft & UAVs
LUCAS
LUCAS, the Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System, is a U.S. one-way attack UAV associated with SpektreWorks' FLM 136 airframe and fielded through CENTCOM's Task Force Scorpion Strike. The system emphasizes affordable mass, autonomous operation, multiple launch methods, and long-range strike utility; it was directly documented in U.S. combat use against Iranian targets during Operation Epic Fury.
- Conflict side
- United States
- Built by
- SpektreWorks
- Built in
- United States
Service History
- In service
- Deployed to the Middle East with Task Force Scorpion Strike in late 2025
- Used by
- United States Armed Forces, U.S. Central Command Task Force Scorpion Strike
- Wars
- United States-Iran Conflict
Production History
- Designer
- SpektreWorks
- Designed
- Publicly documented testing and fielding in 2025
- Built by
- SpektreWorks
- Built in
- United States
- Unit cost
- Approximately $35,000 per platform reported by CENTCOM
- Produced
- 2025-present
- Number built
- Not publicly disclosed
- Variants
- FLM 136
Specifications
- Role
- Low-cost one-way attack UAV / loitering munition
- Length
- 9.8 ft (3 m) for FLM 136 baseline
- Wingspan
- 8.2 ft (2.5 m) for FLM 136 baseline
- Maximum takeoff weight
- 180 lb (81.5 kg) for FLM 136 baseline
- Payload
- Up to 40 lb (18 kg) for FLM 136 baseline
- Range
- 350 nmi unrestricted C2 for FLM 136 baseline; CENTCOM describes LUCAS as extensive-range and beyond-line-of-sight capable
- Launch methods
- Catapult, rocket-assisted takeoff, mobile ground, and vehicle launch options
- Propulsion
- 215 cc carbureted engine for FLM 136 baseline
Conflict Usage
- United States-Iran Conflict
- Side: United States
CENTCOM-confirmed reporting documented LUCAS one-way attack drones in Operation Epic Fury strikes on Iran, including attacks against IRGC command-and-control facilities, air defenses, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields.
LUCAS Images
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Low-cost combat attack system tested at U.S. Army Yuma Proving GroundPublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports LUCAS identity as a Marine Corps-sponsored one-way attack aircraft, Yuma testing context, and mass-production intent. | Accessed: 2026-06-20FLM 136Publisher: SpektreWorks | Note: Supports manufacturer and baseline FLM 136 dimensions, payload, range, speed, propulsion, avionics, and launch data. | Accessed: 2026-06-20U.S. Launches One-Way-Attack Drone Force in the Middle EastPublisher: U.S. Central Command | Note: Supports deployment with Task Force Scorpion Strike, approximate unit cost, and CENTCOM regional deterrence context. | Accessed: 2026-06-20U.S. Navy in Middle East Employs Attack Drone at Sea for First TimePublisher: U.S. Navy | Note: Supports LUCAS launch methods, shipboard launch context, and official photo captions for the gallery images. | Accessed: 2026-06-20U.S. Navy in Middle East Employs Attack Drone at Sea for First Time [Image 2 of 2]Publisher: DVIDS | Note: Public-domain image provenance for a LUCAS launch from USS Santa Barbara in the Arabian Gulf. | Accessed: 2026-06-20US confirms first combat use of LUCAS one-way attack drone in Iran strikesPublisher: Military Times | Note: Direct conflict-use source for United States-Iran Conflict: LUCAS was used by U.S. forces during Operation Epic Fury strikes on Iran. | Accessed: 2026-06-20After first combat appearance, LUCAS drones remain ready for future Epic Fury strikes against IranPublisher: DefenseScoop | Note: Direct conflict-use source for United States-Iran Conflict: LUCAS was deployed in Operation Epic Fury and remained ready for further Iran strikes. | Accessed: 2026-06-20