Truck mounted Laser shoots down UAV
Lasers are one of those technologies that have so many different applications and potentials, but are hindered by size and power constraints. In military applications its usually being able to pack enough punch into a package that can be easily deployed.
Recently the Avenger Laser shot down a small UAV, the avenger is an infrared laser with a power rating in the 10s of kilowatts. When it last debuted in 2007 the laser was powerful enough to destroy a roadside explosive. Since then it has doubled in power. Perhaps more impressive is the tracking system emplyed by the laser. The system in question tracked three of the small UAVs and destroyed one of them. While the range at which the drone was destroyed was not disclosed, it was described as ”operationally relevant.” The system is designed to allow the target to get close enough that it can be destroyed with one burst. Lasers are ideal for intercepting these small fast moving targets.
Current conventional means rely on firing number of missiles at the incoming target. The size and build composition of the UAVs make them difficult to target with missile based weaponry. The laser also has the added benefit of being cheaper to fire over an extended periods as it only requires a power. source.
Source: New Scientist
Thu, Jan 29, 2009
Technology