For the first time, MBDA Deutschland is presenting a new, flexibly deployable
laser effector at the ILA Berlin Air Show. The effector can be integrated
onto both marine and land-based platforms via standardised interfaces.
The new weapon system is especially suitable for defence against highly
agile targets such as UAVs, rockets and mortar shells. |
Among
other advantages, this laser effector features a 360-degree beam guidance
system. Thanks to its novel optics, the system can acquire the target
in a 360-degree operational arc, track it and then destroy it reliably
and precisely using the weapon’s powerful laser beam. Modern tracking
systems ensure a stable holding point on the target, and thus rapid
target engagement. Short engagement times also make this effector capable
of defending against swarming attacks such as UAVs attacking from different
directions. MBDA Deutschland’s solution features high accuracy,
scalability of effect and minimised logistics costs. The system’s
sophisticated mirror optics are capable of harnessing higher laser power
levels than those currently available today. This laser effector therefore
has enormous future potential.
“In recent years, MBDA Deutschland has invested a significant
amount of its own resources into the development of laser technologies,”
states Peter Heilmeier, MBDA Deutschland’s Head of Sales and Business
Development. "We have achieved substantial results – also
when compared to other international efforts.Laser weapons have the
potential for being deployed wherever an immediate danger needs to be
combated at very close range: for instance the protection of military
camps, checkpoints and convoys. In the naval sector, laser effector
systems could feature in both on board ship and port protection. MBDA’s
new laser effector is a further important step towards an operationally
deployable system.”
MBDA Deutschland has been working on laser effectors for several years.
The company has successfully tested laser effectors in multiple trials
against airborne targets such as shells and UAVs as well as other targets.
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