IDEX 2023: CILAS from France displays laser target designator and HELMA-P counter-UAV laser weapon.

CILAS is the historical supplier of laser designators to the French Ministry of the Army. Laser target designators by CILAS have been used since the 1990s by the armed forces, particularly special forces, to designate targets for laser-guided weapons fired from combat aircraft and helicopters, at a distance of a few kilometers, day and night.
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HELMA-P (High Energy for Multiple Applications - Power) and sniper laser detector (Picture source: Army Recognition)

A total of just under 200 DHY 208 and about 50 DHY 308 are scheduled to be delivered by 2025 to the French DGA. In December 2021, the DGA notified Cilas of an additional order for 25 DHY 208, following the DGA’s qualification of this equipment in the summer of 2021. A total of 165 pieces of equipment have been ordered to date, 110 of which have already been delivered. Qualification of the DHY 308 is scheduled for 2022 and the first delivery for 2023.

The ALADEM-80 module has been selected to equip the VBMR Griffon, a multi-role armored vehicle (MRV) of the SCORPION programme, as well as the Patroller of the «tactical drone system» (TDS).

Sniper laser detectors

Based on its laser and optronic expertise, CILAS has been developing and manufacturing for more than 20 years optical detection systems that allow to detect, locate and identify any hostile observer using different types of optics (snipers, binoculars, etc.). The optical detection systems developed by CILAS incorporate the latest technologies in active laser imaging and camera technology.

Today, more than 100 CILAS anti-sniper systems are in service worldwide. The SLD 500 («Sniper Laser Detector») is the optical detection system offered to its customers for Defence or Security.

HELMA-P

HELMA-P (High Energy for Multiple Applications - Power) is a laser effector dedicated to anti-drone warfare whose principle is the deposition of calories on a fixed or mobile target, the consequences of which can be: saturating an optical sensor (and thus rendering it inoperative), heating (faulty target electronics), deforming, piercing, cutting or even igniting. The effect on the target, which is up to 1 km away from the end effector, is ensured by means of a power laser and is achieved in a few seconds. During tests on various moving UAVs, 38 UAVs out of 38 were shot down, up to 1000 m, in a few seconds. A complete sequence from initial detection to neutralization is possible thanks to a coupling with a radar. The ability to neutralize several drones in the sequence has been demonstrated.

Other outlets are imagined for HELMA-P such as the remote neutralization of ammunition and the neutralization of improvised explosive devices. HELMA-P can also be integrated on vehicles or ships.

During tests on various moving UAVs, 38 UAVs out of 38 were shot down up to 1000 m away by HELMA-P in a few seconds (Picture source: Army Recognition)

About CILAS

Founded in 1966, CILAS is a pioneer in the field of lasers in France and a historical supplier to the armed forces. A recognized expert in laser and optronics, CILAS, a subsidiary of ArianeGroup, supplies equipment and systems for the Defense, Security and Space sectors for the main international players.
To achieve this, CILAS relies on its multi-trade design office, its production team and its sales network. In addition, CILAS works in collaboration with an academic network, small and large industrial structures.
CILAS’ mission is to guarantee its customers the best laser and optronic solutions, compatible with highly constrained environments, by pushing the limits of the state of the art. CILAS is involved in the entire product life cycle, from fundamental R&D to maintenance in operational condition (MOC).

A recognized expert in laser and optronics, CILAS, a subsidiary of ArianeGroup, supplies equipment and systems for the Defense, Security and Space sectors for the main international players (Picture source: Army Recognition)