Leonardo DRS and BlueHalo Demonstrate Directed Energy Weapon

Leonardo DRS and BlueHalo report the successful live-fire demonstration of a counter unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) directed energy Stryker designed to defeat Group 1-3 UAS with multiple kinetic and nonkinetic defeat technologies.

The counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) directed energy Stryker features a 26kW laser weapon system from BlueHalo, capable of engaging Group 1-3 unmanned aircraft systems. Courtesy of Leonardo DRS.

During a demonstration last month, the system successfully destroyed multiple drones using BlueHalo’s 26kW LOCUST laser weapon system (LWS). Additionally, the demonstration included near-simultaneous C-UAS and ground engagements with the laser and a 30 mm remote weapon station. The C-UAS directed energy Stryker successfully destroyed every drone over the two-day demonstration.

Nonkinetic effectors include BlueHalo’s LOCUST LWS, which is stored inside the Stryker and deployed when a threat is detected. The 26kW LWS combines precision optical and laser hardware with advanced software and processing to enable and enhance the directed energy “kill chain”. It tracks, identifies, and defeats Group 1-3 UAS and other threats. In addition to the LOCUST LWS, the Stryker employs BlueHalo’s Titan C-UAS and Titan-SV nonkinetic technologies, delivering comprehensive 360° surveillance and threat detection and mitigation of Group 1 and 2 drone threats.