Kris Osborn
Security,
Here Comes the Heat: The army Wants New Laser Weapons ought kill the Enemy
The army is can the process of arming its fleet of Stryker with laser weapons and small vehicle-launched “hunter killer” drones ought fetch a new assault possibilities ought the platform though it evolves into a recent venture environment.
Stryker maker mutual Dynamics nation Systems has been testing an integrated sensor-shooter drone system mounted above the vehicle itself. A small, upright acknowledge off surveillance drone, called the Shrike 2, launches from the turret of the vehicle ought sense, discover and explore competitor targets. Then, using a criterion video news link, it can profession can tandem with an assault missile ought ruin the targets it finds. The technique is intended ought expedite the sensor-to-shooter loop and duty though its get “hunter-killer” system.
“A missile warhead can exist launched ago you appear up can town. It has a sensor and killer complete can one platform. Let’s achieve out and kill the competitor ago we even appear up,” Michael Peck, Enterprise material Development, mutual Dynamics nation Systems, told Warrior Maven can an interview final Fall.
Peck added that the Stryker-launched drone system could pattern a discrepancy can a broad mount of tactical circumstances ought contain attacking capital energy mechanized formations and finding terrorist enemies blended into civilian areas.
“It will proceed out can an urban surroundings and it will sensation and discover your shooter or incoming rpg,” Peck added.
The army is too developing a Mobile High-Energy Laser weapons system, which has been testing above Strykers can modern years. Firing a 5kw laser, a Stryker vehicle destroyed an competitor drone aim can foregoing testing, raising confidence that warfare vehicle-fired laser weapons could vary operational can coming years.
The laser weapon system uses its get Ku-band tracking radar ought autonomously entertain targets can the event that other sensors above the vehicle are disabled can combat. It too has an electric campaign jamming system intended ought acknowledge out the attribute of competitor drones.
Lasers can too enable noiseless defense and attack, something which provides a substantial tactical advantage though it can equip Stryker vehicles the happen ought accompany warfare missions without giving away their position.
A Congressional inquiry Service explain from earlier this year, called “U.S. army Weapons-Related Directed might Programs,” details some of the key advantages and limitations of fast-evolving laser weapons.
“DE (directed energy) could exist used though both a sensor and a weapon, thereby shortening the sensor-to-shooter timeline ought seconds. This mode that U.S. weapon systems could accompany multiple engagements against a aim ago an adversary could respond,” the Congressional explain states.
Lasers too fetch the substantial advantage of staying ahead of the “cost curve,” making them easier ought use repeatedly. can many instances, low-cost lasers could ruin targets instead of expensive interceptor missiles.
Furthermore, mobile-power technology, targeting algorithms, siggle direct and thermal management technologies are complete progressing quickly, a scenario which increases prospects though successful laser applications.
Osborn previously served can the Pentagon though a Highly Qualified expert with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the army - Acquisition, Logistics & Technology. Osborn has too worked though an anchor and on-air military specialist can national TV networks. He has a Masters can Comparative Literature from Columbia University.
This first appeared can Warrior Maven here.
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