For the first time scientists and engineers have successfully
fired a high powered laser energy weapon from a British Army
combat vehicle.
This ground-breaking test, conducted at Dstl's range
in Porton Down, saw the laser weapon neutralise targets at
distances in excess of 1km.
The high-energy laser weapon mounted on to a British Army
Wolfhound armoured vehicle, represents a major leap forward in
the UK Ministry of Defence's
Land Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) Demonstrator
programme, providing increased operational advantage on the
battlefield.
The lightweight portable high energy laser system is the first
laser weapon integrated on a land vehicle to be fired in the
UK.
The advanced capability demonstrator will allow the Ministry of
Defence along with the British Army to understand the utility of
LDEW systems
against an evolving threat.
The next phase of testing will involve trials with Army personnel
later this year, further evaluating the system's capabilities and
benefits in real-world scenarios.
The low cost system is fully portable, low cost and easy to
operate. The system can track multiple targets and engage faster
than the speed of light.
Dstl chief
executive Dr Paul Hollinshead OBE MBA said:
This is another significant milestone in accelerating the
adoption of directed energy weapons.
Working ever closer with DE&S and industry to
develop critical new capabilities, we are preparing the armed
forces for the future so they can detect, disable and destroy
future and novel threats.
Team Hersa, which pairs Dstl's
technical expertise with the best acquisition skills from
DE&S, is
managing delivery of the demonstrators and is responsible for
preparing Defence for the introduction of innovative weapons
systems, ensuring the UK
Armed Forces can successfully exploit this potentially game
changing capability at pace.
Matt Cork, Dstl Programme
Lead, said:
The joint working between Dstl,
DE&S and
industry has enabled rapid evolution of this laser demonstrator.
The successful testing of this high-powered laser weapon marks a
pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to enhance the future
operational capabilities of the British Army. This technology
offers a precise, powerful and cost effective means to defeat
aerial threats, ensuring greater protection for our forces.
The laser system, developed in collaboration with a consortium of
UKsuppliers, showcases the
potential of advanced technology in modern warfare.
The system operates with a command and control system and can be
integrated with wider battle management radar and surveillance
systems. The weapon can be mounted on various platforms to meet
different operational needs.
The British supply chain includes: Raytheon UK, Fraser Nash, NP Aerospace, LumOptica,
Blighter Surveillance Systems, and Cambridge Pixel.
, chief executive and managing
director of Raytheon UK,
said:
In successfully firing the first laser weapon integrated on a
land vehicle in the UK,
Dstl has
proven that the Raytheon high energy laser weapon system can
track, engage and defeat targets whilst mounted on a vehicle
We now look forward to the British Army experimenting with the
weapon over the coming months and proving that the technology is
battlefield ready.
Dstl's
research and development efforts focus on preparing UK Defence for future challenges and
improving operational advantage. By collaborating with
DE&S,
industry, academia,
and international allies, Dstl continues
to address some of the most complex issues facing UK Defence.
This development underscores Dstl's
work and its commitment to the UKMinistry of Defence's by leveraging
cutting-edge technology to maintain a strategic advantage in
defence operations.
