Numerous countries are researching the possibility that drones could be shot down with lasers. Many military branches are trying desperately to find a solution. Privately owned unmanned aircraft vehicles have improved in capabilities over the past decade. Their low cost and ease of use make them ideal targets for the U.S. military and civilians alike.
The United States Navy performed numerous tests of its laser weapon collection. The Laser Weapon System, which is designed to disable vessels and shoot down drones, is expected to be permanently installed on the USS Ponce in the coming financial year. This device is designed to be inexpensive, effective, and less harmful to humans and the environment than conventional weapons. It can also be used to deter potential attackers. It can also assess battle damage.
One of the most recent experiments involved an electric laser. The device was used in a New Mexico test to disable a drone. This drone was flying at 300 miles per hour. The laser effector has high-precision tracking tech and concentrated energy into a single laser beam. The laser was invisible to naked eyes and successfully disabled the drone.
A high-powered laser was also tested and was built to fit on a Cessna Grand Caravan. The device was designed to defeat targets within one kilometer of the aircraft. The laser was also tested in Germany at a test site. It was effective in disabling small drones. It was also effective in shooting down subsonic cruise missiles.
The laser effector that was used in the test was actually designed by MBDA Deutschland, an aerospace and missile contractor. The company has designed several guided missile systems, and its high-energy laser was tested on a small drone. The laser successfully disabled the drone. This was its first demonstration of effectiveness. It was also effective in shooting down other UAVs. The laser effector is expected to be used on a variety of aircraft, and is expected to be fully functional three to four years from now.
Lockheed Martin is currently testing Layered Laser Defense (LLD), a system that can be used to shoot down unmanned aerial vehicles and drones. The system is powered by six solid-state Lasers that have a power output of 32 Kilowatts. This system is expected be effective against a wide range of targets including fast attack boats and mortars as well as other drones. It is said to also be capable of disabling sensors. This feat is thought to be impossible with conventional weapons. The system can be operated safely because it is entirely electric.
Many militaries already have started to experiment with different types and laser weapons. Israeli Defense Ministry recently tested a high-powered, laser system. Similar tests have been done by the US Navy before, but the laser-based chemical technologies were not transferred to the fleet.