Raytheon laser takes out aerial target in groundbreaking trial with British Army
The laser was fired from a British Army Mastiff. (Photo: Raytheon)
The trial is the latest stage of the Ministry of Defence’s Land Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) demonstrator programme.
Raytheon has fired a laser against a quadcopter UAS from a British Army vehicle using soldiers trained on the weapon’s targeting and tracking technologies, an exercise described by the company as a first.
The test involved Raytheon’s High-Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) as part of the UK Ministry of Defence’s Land Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) demonstrator programme.
The test took place at a military range in Wales using a British Army Wolfhound armoured personnel carrier.
Related Articles
German Armed Forces successfully concludes laser weapon demonstrator trials
UK DragonFire laser weapon completes successful test
The system operates by directing a beam of energy toward its target, using advanced sensors and tracking systems to maintain lock-on and accuracy in real time.
According to Raytheon “it has proved effective in real-world conditions, validating its potential as a game-changing technology in modern warfare”.
Earlier this year, Raytheon’s HELWS was the first laser weapon integrated and fired from a land vehicle in the UK. That happened as part of a joint programme between Raytheon UK and Team Hersa, the joint LDEW enterprise between the Defence and Science Laboratory and Defence Equipment and Support.
Matt Cork, head of Team Hersa, said: “By integrating advanced directed energy technologies onto armoured platforms, we’re not only proving the feasibility of these game-changing systems but also accelerating their path to operational readiness.”
Other companies involved include Fraser Nash, NP Aerospace, LumOptica, Blighter Surveillance Systems and Cambridge Pixel. The work is occurring under a £16.8 million (US$21.5 million) contract awarded by Team Hersa.
The next steps in the project include producing learning from experience for the whole project, and using that to inform future LDEW requirements for the army.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Mack Defense receives new contract as push to refresh trucks continues]()
Mack Defense receives new contract as push to refresh trucks continues
Mack Defense’s M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck (HDT) builds on a commercial vehicle but comes off a dedicated production line. The deal follows previous orders, including orders for Oshkosh’s Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles, along with other logistics and forward-deployed trucks worldwide.
-
![Milrem THeMIS robot tests weapon firing to beyond one kilometre]()
Milrem THeMIS robot tests weapon firing to beyond one kilometre
The Milrem Robotics Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) has seen extensive service in Ukraine with an additional six ordered for Ukraine in May.
-
![JLTV A2 cleared for first export as AM General awaits US Army plans]()
JLTV A2 cleared for first export as AM General awaits US Army plans
The AM General’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) A2 is in low-rate initial production (LRIP) as testing of first vehicles continues. Canada is set to become the first export customer and the likely order will mark an important step for the company as it awaits the outcome of the US Army Transformation Initiative (ATI) which has argued for cuts to JLTV.
-
![Tests almost completed on German Army Wolf vehicles with deliveries soon]()
Tests almost completed on German Army Wolf vehicles with deliveries soon
The Germany Army (Bundeswehr) signed for 1,500 Mercedes-Benz Defence Vehicles Wolf 2 all-purpose 4×4 light utility vehicle in July last year, a deal which ultimately be for 5,800 units. Testing is ongoing and first production vehicles are expected to be delivered in November.
-
![BAE Systems to further develop modular armoured vehicle]()
BAE Systems to further develop modular armoured vehicle
BAE Systems and Kongsberg have received contracts for the US Marine Corps’ (USMC’s) armed Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) variant with the former also outlining future plans for the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) it is producing for the US Army.
-
![Kyiv works to replicate unmanned air success with ground vehicles]()
Kyiv works to replicate unmanned air success with ground vehicles
The conflict in Ukraine has seen the country’s defence firms emerge as technological innovators in response to the Russian invasion of the country in 2022. The drone war in the air has been a significant development while the efforts on the ground have been less acknowledged.
