During the trial in modernHebrides Collection, DragonFire laser-guided energy weapon (LDEW) The system achieved the UK's first high-power laser weapon launch against air targets. The DragonFire scope is covert, but it is a line-of-sight weapon that can engage any visible target.
- The first launch of a high-power laser weapon against air targets
- Lasers have pinpoint accuracy and low long-term costs
- Partnering with industry delivers positive progress for the UK Armed Forces
DragonFire exploits British technology to be able to fire a high-energy laser over a long range. The accuracy required is equivalent to striking a £1 coin from a distance of one kilometre.
Laser directed energy weapons can engage targets at the speed of light, using an intense beam of light to penetrate the target, resulting in structural failure or more impactful outcomes if the warhead is targeted.
Igniting it for 10 seconds is equivalent to the cost of using a regular heater for just an hour. Therefore, it has the potential to be a long-range, low-cost alternative to some of the missions currently performed by missiles. The cost of running a laser is usually less than £10 per shot.
DragonFire is led by the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (dstl), on behalf of the United Kingdom modernIt works with industry partners MBDA, Leonardo and QinetiQ.
This achievement demonstrated the ability to engage air targets at relevant ranges and is a major step in bringing this technology into service. Both the Army and Royal Navy are considering using this technology as part of future air defense capabilities.
Defense Secretary Grant Shapp said:
This type of advanced weapon has the potential to revolutionize the battlefield by reducing reliance on expensive ammunition, while also reducing the risk of collateral damage.
Investments with industry partners in advanced technologies like DragonFire are critical in a hyper-competitive world, helping us maintain a winning edge in the fight and keeping the nation safe.
This latest achievement builds on a series of highly successful trials, including the first high-energy fixed laser firing of a UK sovereign capability and demonstration of the DragonFire system's ability to track moving air and sea targets with very high accuracy at range.
Based on this research, modern It recently announced its intention to fund a multi-million pound program to move technology from the research environment to the battlefield.
The last trial was sponsored modernDefense science and technology (the summer timing) Regulatory and strategic programs that are enabled by many other agencies across government, ensuring that all regulatory approval and safety requirements are met.
dstlCEO, Dr Paul Holinshed said:
These experiments have seen us take a major step forward in realizing the potential opportunities and understanding the threats posed by directed energy weapons.
Thanks to our decades of knowledge, skills and operational experience, dstlGM's expertise is critical to helping the Armed Forces prepare for the future.
The DragonFire weapon system is the result of a joint £100 million investment by the Ministry of Defense and industry. Participating companies are working together to support high-skilled jobs in the UK in cutting-edge new technologies that are dramatically changing the UK's ability to… LDEW Systems.
In 2017 modernDragonFire's Principal Scientific Advisor Research Program has awarded a £30 million contract to the DragonFire consortium to demonstrate the potential of LDEWs.
Dr. Nick Goode, the summer timing He said:
This is a truly innovative application of science and engineering and is the result of sustained investment and effort. DragonFire uses the latest science and technology and delivers significantly greater performance than other systems in the same category. DragonFire provides a step change in our ability to address high-performance, low-cost threats.
The UK Ministry of Defense continues to invest in these game-changing technologies and is developing plans that will eventually bring them into service.
Shimon Fahima, Director of Strategic Programs at the organization modern He said:
DragonFire trials in the Hebrides demonstrated that our world-leading technology can track and engage cutting-edge impacts at range. In a world of evolving threats, we know our focus must be on providing capabilities to warfighters and we will look to accelerate this next phase of activity.
LDEW Research and technology are delivered through partnership, which is a cost-effective way to meet community needs modern While maintaining the technology and skills base of the UK industry.
The UK Ministry of Defense continues to invest in these game-changing technologies and is developing plans that will eventually bring them into service
Learn more about dstlScientific and technological capabilities of weapons and how they work with us.
