Raytheon delivers C-UAS laser system to USAF

Raytheon has delivered a high-energy laser counter-UAS system to the US Air Force, the company announced on 22 October.

The system is now set for an overseas deployment as part of a year-long air force experiment to train operators and test the system's effectiveness in real-world conditions.

Raytheon's high-energy laser weapon system uses an advanced variant of the company's multi-spectral targeting system, an electro-optical/infrared sensor, to detect, identify and track rogue drones. Once targeted, the system engages the threat and neutralises the UAS. 

The company installed its high-energy laser weapon system on a small all-terrain vehicle. On a single charge from a standard 220-volt outlet, the system can deliver ISR capability and multiple precise laser shots. It can also be paired with a generator to provide a nearly infinite number of shots.  

Roy Azevedo, president of Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, said: ‘Five years ago, few people worried about the drone threat. Now, we hear about attacks or incursions all the time. Our customers saw this coming and asked us to develop a ready-now counter-UAS capability. We did just that by going from the drawing board to delivery in less than 24 months.’