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 air vehicles have grown to be more capable in the past decade. These unmanned aerial vehicles are a perfect target for both civilians and the U.S military because of their low cost and ease-of-use.
The United States Navy has performed several tests on its laser weapon arsenal. The Laser Weapon system, which is intended to destroy vessels and shoot down unmanned drones, will be installed permanently on the USS Ponce during the next financial year. This device is designed to be inexpensive, effective, and less harmful to humans and the environment than conventional weapons. It can also serve as a non-lethal weapon of deterrent. It can also perform battle damage assessment.
One of the latest tests was done with an electric laser. The device was tested at a test site in New Mexico, and was used to disable a drone. The drone was traveling at 300 mph. The laser effector has high-precision tracking tech and concentrated energy into a single laser beam. The laser, which was invisible to the naked eyes, successfully disabled the drone.
The Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft was equipped with a high-powered laser system. The device was designed to defeat targets within one kilometer of the aircraft. The laser was also tested on a German test site and proved to be capable of disabling small drones. The laser was also tested for its effectiveness in disabling a small drone.
The laser effector, which was used in this test, was actually developed by MBDA Deutschland. MBDA Deutschland is an aerospace-missile contractor. The company has designed several guided missile systems, and its high-energy laser was tested on a small drone. The laser was successful in disabling the drone, and it was the first demonstration of its effectiveness. It also was found to be capable of 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 has also been testing Layered Laser Defense. This system can be used for shooting down drones and unmanned aerial vessels. Six solid-state lasers are used to power the system, each with a 32 kilowatt output. This system is expected to be effective against a variety of targets, including fast attack boats, mortars, and other drones. It is said to also be capable of disabling sensors. This feat is thought to be impossible with conventional weapons. The system is completely electric and does not require any dangerous propellants. This makes it safer to use.
Several militaries have already started testing various types of laser weapons. A high-powered laser system was also tested by the Israeli Defense Ministry. Similar tests were conducted by the US Navy in the past but the laser technology was never transferred to the fleet.