MBDA laser in new testing
A new high-energy laser effector developed by MBDA Deutschland has undergone successful testing at a military training facility on Germany’s North Sea coast, the company announced on 14 November.
The testing saw the system put through its paces under real environmental conditions for the first time. The laser’s beam guidance and tracking systems were trialled, with simulated engagements of airborne targets.
A quadcopter served as the airborne target, performing a range of dynamic manoeuvres at a variety of ranges. The targets were pre-set, scanned with the laser target illuminator, and an aim point was held on the target for an extended period.
Despite adverse weather conditions, the system was able to successfully track all the targets involved in the trials. During night trials, the demonstrator proved capable of acquiring and tracking targets even under conditions of poor visibility. The laser team also simulated a defence against a swarming attack, which required rapid switching between targets approaching from different directions.
Following the tests, the company has declared that the functionality of the overall system and the performance capability of the further improved tracking system has been verified.
The laser system is integrated in a standard container and equipped with a highly dynamic 360-degree beam guidance system. It is being developed with sophisticated mirror optics that are capable of harnessing higher laser power levels than those available today, offering significant future potential.
You may also like
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![British Army’s ISR commander warns of new challenges facing defence forces]()
British Army’s ISR commander warns of new challenges facing defence forces
The race between using ISR and resisting the use of it by enemies has accelerated, leading to new methods and systems being required, according to the British Army’s lead on its ISR efforts.
-
![Push for greater use of open source data, says senior British officer]()
Push for greater use of open source data, says senior British officer
The huge amount of open source data available may not carry the weight of secret sources but it does carry substantial value, according to speakers at Defence IQ C4ISR Global conference in London.
-
![Jacobs wins MoD cyber-security support contract]()
Jacobs wins MoD cyber-security support contract
The deal with Jacobs will run until November 2027 and will see the company deliver a range of digital and IT specialist professional services to Defence Digital.
-
![Orbit upgrades two multi-purpose terminals and carries out land testing]()
Orbit upgrades two multi-purpose terminals and carries out land testing
The communications company has upgraded two of its Beyond Line-of-Sight Multi-Purpose Terminals (MBTs) by introducing advancements in satellite communication technology and AI-driven maintenance capabilities.
-
![Norway to receive maritime surveillance satellite data from Kongsberg]()
Norway to receive maritime surveillance satellite data from Kongsberg
Norway's Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace has announced that its subsidiary Kongsberg NanoAvionics will produce three satellites and launch them in 2025.
-
![First South Korean 425 Project observation satellite launched]()
First South Korean 425 Project observation satellite launched
In 2015, South Korea named a consortium of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Systems, along with Thales Alenia Space providing the SAR payload derived from its HE-R1000 product, as preferred bidder to develop new Korea 425 Project reconnaissance satellites.
