UK
DRAGONFIRE is a collaborative consortium led by MBDA with QinetiQ and
Leonardo-Finmeccanica that has brought together the best of relevant
UK industry expertise to deliver the highly challenging and complex
programme. The team also capitalises on the strengths of the individual
companies involved, which includes GKN, Arke, BAE Systems and Marshall
ADG.
The UK DRAGONFIRE proposal builds on the significant MoD and Industry
investment in the areas of laser coherent beam combining, weapon systems
command and control, advanced pointing systems and high power storage.
Welcoming the announcement, Dave Armstrong Executive Group Director
Technical and UK Managing Director of MBDA said, “Under MBDA’s
lead, UK DRAGONFIRE will put the UK at the forefront of high energy
laser systems, capitalising on the experience of joint MoD/Industry
working in the complex weapons environment. Furthermore it advances
the UK towards a future product with significant export potential, as
well as providing opportunities for partnerships with other nations’
armed forces that have similar requirements.”
Steve Wadey, QinetiQ Chief Executive Officer said, “This programme
is a great example of companies pooling expertise to provide the MoD
with the best solution. QinetiQ will provide the high-powered laser
system that will be used in the test, as well as conducting the trial
itself at one of the ranges we manage for the MoD as part of the Long
Term Partnering Agreement. It’s an opportunity for us to provide
innovative technology, and use our testing and evaluation expertise
to ensure a successful demonstration.”
Norman Bone, Managing Director of Leonardo Air and Space Systems said,
“We are pleased to be part of a strong UK team that I believe
can deliver the right solution for this challenging programme. Leonardo
will contribute the electro-optic beam director to the programme and
support the trials and evaluation. This demonstrator will be at the
forefront of UK technology research and fits within our strategy to
develop the next generation of laser systems.” |
