Blighter radars to form part of UK laser anti-drone system
The A800 can detect air, land and sea targets within the operation region of the Laser Directed Energy Weapon. (Photo: Blighter Surveillance Systems)
Two Blighter A800 radars will be deployed alongside a Raytheon UK vehicle-mounted counter-UAS laser in a demonstrator programme for the UK MoD.
Blighter Surveillance Systems has been awarded a contract to supply A800 multi-mode 3D e-scan radars to Raytheon UK for the MoD's Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) project.
The radars will form part of a demonstrator system using a Raytheon-manufactured laser for neutralising small UAS.
Two A800 units will be used for target detection and direction of the laser. The effector will be vehicle-mounted, with the ground-based radars located nearby.
Related Articles
Ukraine to receive ‘significant number’ of Blighter C-UAS radars
Raytheon to upgrade Phalanx CIWS for South Korea
Dragonfire illuminates the way forward for UK laser weapons
Blighter will work on system design and developing a concept of operations and support during the trials, which will take place at a UK MoD range.
The A800 is designed for integration with new and existing C2 systems. According to the company, it offers the multi-mode surveillance capability of large-scale radar systems in a smaller package with a 20km range.
The A800 can detect air, land and sea targets within the operating region of the LDEW, using clutter filters to simplify the test regime.
Blighter CEO James Long said the project 'will demonstrate how our cutting-edge A800 e-scanning radar can operate in synchronicity with next-generation technology to provide the edge on the battlefield'.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up]()
Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up
Romania received its first Cobra MkII 4×4 light tactical armoured vehicles, ordered Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) and VAMTAC light vehicles, and is set to invest billions-of-dollars in infantry fighting vehicles.
-
![Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement]()
Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement
The Italian Army operates Pumas in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations but the platforms are ageing and numbers have fallen with obsolescence also being an issue. Any replacement is likely to have a focus on the involvement of local industry.
-
![Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand]()
Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand
The VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico or High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) 4×4 by Urovesa is in service with or has been ordered by eight countries, the most recent being Spain this month and Romania last month.
-
![Precision Strike Missile engine successfully tested from M270A2 launcher]()
Precision Strike Missile engine successfully tested from M270A2 launcher
Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is a next-generation surface-to-surface missile with the solid rocket motor (SRM) provided by Northrop Grumman. The company is working to boost its SRM production capability.
-
![CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality]()
CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality
The CV90 is in service with or ordered by ten countries. The agreement between six of these countries is designed to create commonality to provide economies of scale and a reduced training burden.
-
![Rafael to unveil new Iron Beam laser director at Paris Air Show]()
Rafael to unveil new Iron Beam laser director at Paris Air Show
Israel has a substantial air defence system which includes Iron Dome and David’s Sling but laser systems will allow lower cost intercepts for short ranges against smaller threats.
