Rheinmetall tests laser weapon technology
Rheinmetall has completed a series of comprehensive trials with a new weapon station at its Ochsenboden test centre in Zürich, Switzerland, the company announced on 28 February.
The weapon station, in combination with a laser, demonstrated its speed and precision in tests conducted in December 2018. The weapon station can be equipped with lasers in the 100 kW output power range. During the tests, UAS and mortar rounds were successfully engaged at operationally relevant ranges.
The laser weapon station is the latest stage of the process in which Rheinmetall has transformed laser weapon technology into a fully functional weapon system. It consists of four main components: the laser source, beam director with the telescope, and coarse tracker. The mobile weapon station can mechanically point the laser towards the target.
During the tests, the laser weapon station was combined with a beam director and advanced lasers. It can also be combined with an upcoming 20 kW laser source.
Now that the weapon station, specially designed to meet the requirements of a laser weapon station, has been successfully realised, Rheinmetall has all of the principal assemblies for a future laser weapon system.
The modular and scalable assemblies are suitable for ground, air and naval operations modular and can be deployed on all types of military platforms.
The laser weapon station offers an accurate mechanical aiming function, coupled with an unlimited, 360° traversing zone and an elevation range in excess of 270°. The system architecture (EN DIN 61508) is closely oriented to the Mantis air defence system.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Brazil disqualifies three contenders from the VBC Cav-MSR competition]()
Brazil disqualifies three contenders from the VBC Cav-MSR competition
The Brazilian Army rejected medium wheeled armoured vehicle proposals from CLS Automotive Technologies, Elbit Systems Land and Tata Advanced Systems on the grounds that they did not meet the requirements of the bidding notice.
-
![How industry is helping the US Army and allies counter the drone threat (Studio)]()
How industry is helping the US Army and allies counter the drone threat (Studio)
Counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) technology is now a key priority for militaries worldwide. For Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a holistic approach is crucial, with a need to incorporate the systems into a wider air defence architecture.
-
![Ratel IFV benefits from upgrade while Badger remains delayed]()
Ratel IFV benefits from upgrade while Badger remains delayed
The first service life extension upgrade of the Ratel 6x6 IFV contrasts with the continued failure of Denel to deliver the Badger ICV for the South African Army.
-
![Ukraine to receive more Zuzana 2s with trilateral funding]()
Ukraine to receive more Zuzana 2s with trilateral funding
Slovakia will produce 16 Zuzana 2 SPHs for Ukraine, with funding from the Danish, German and Norwegian governments.
-
![British Army’s Icarus programme reaches new phase]()
British Army’s Icarus programme reaches new phase
With an investment boost of £15 million, the British Army will continue to develop future capabilities for a modular, flexible active protection system (APS).
-
![Australia fills Land 159 Tranche 1 shopping cart with goodies]()
Australia fills Land 159 Tranche 1 shopping cart with goodies
A renewal of pistols, personal defence weapons, shotguns and sniper rifles is under way in Australia's military.
