MBDA, Leonardo and QinetiQ are developing laser systems to combat threats on land and at sea.
MBDA, Leonardo and QinetiQ have begun engineering development of serial versions of long-range directed energy laser weapons (LDEW), Naval News reported.
Representatives of MBDA, Leonardo and QinetiQ confirmed to Naval News that they are working on second-generation laser weapon (LW) projects using proven technologies and methods through the DragonFire laser air defense system prototype tested in conjunction with the UK Defense Science and Technology Laboratory. Scientific arm of the Ministry of Defence, Great Britain.
The new type of aircraft is expected to be used both at sea and on land. The LDEW will have near-average effectiveness against fast coastal attack ships, UAVs, and intelligence, reconnaissance and sensor surveillance (ISR) assets.
Kenny McCormick, one of Leonardo’s chief engineers, said that the current laser weapon system needs to be strengthened to make it suitable for use in real combat. While engineers use commercial off-the-shelf equipment, they may not withstand military conditions, he noted. And this problem needs to be solved. He also noted that the serial LO will perhaps be smaller in terms of weight, size and power.
The DragonFire system, in which the Ministry of Defense has invested more than £100 million, has a power of 50 kW. With its help, the military tested the operation of the LDEW, that is, their ability to capture, track and hit targets. MBDA UK, the leader of the UK DragonFire consortium, played a leading role in the development of the system; Leonardo created the aiming beam that allows the LDEW system to target and track moving targets with millimeter precision, and QinetiQ experts provided the laser source and developed the coherent beam coupling technology to increase power density and damage range.
Important
According to the Ministry of Defence, the latest comprehensive tests carried out at the Hebrides test range in the fourth quarter of 2023 demonstrated DragonFire’s ability to track and destroy dynamic air targets from long range. The LDEW system has been tested at various powers against typical air and sea targets at various ranges, altitudes and speeds.
Naval News understands that the DragonFire system is currently located in a secure facility and its components are being refurbished in preparation for further testing.
We have previously reported that Taiwan is developing 50 kW laser weapons. Scientists concluded that the laser system could be effective against Chengdu GJ-1 series unmanned aerial vehicles, missiles and even balloons.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.