50kw high energy laser successfully demonstrat

50kW High Energy Laser Successfully Demonstrated in Switzerland

*** In the first test the 50kW laser was fired from a distance of 1,000 meters, cutting through a massive, 15mm-thick steel girder.

In the second test series the system engaged drones simulating UAVs. The Skyguard radar detected the incoming UAV at a distance of three kilometers. This data was handed over to the 30kW weapon, providing rough tracking using mechanical slew. At this stage, the optical tracking system in the Beam Forming Units (BFU’s) in each of the individual leaser weapon modules performed fine tracking of the nose-diving UAVs. After reaching the programmed fire sector the laser weapon modules engaged the UAV’s immediately and destroyed them within a few seconds, at a range of two kilometers.

The third test simulated the detection, pursuit and successful engagement of an extremely small ballistic target addressing potential Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) application. A steel ball measuring 82 mm in diameter and travelling at approximately 50 m/sec replicated a mortar round type target. The Skyguard fire control unit immediately detected the target, followed by mechanical tracking with the 30kW laser weapon station. At this point, the BFU of the laser weapon module took over, optically tracking the target, which was then engaged and destroyed in flight.



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