THOR evolves into Mjölnir to hammer drones
The Mjölnir C-UAS system developed in the US will use the same technology as its predecessor THOR. (Image: AFRL)
Leidos is working on a new prototype C-UAS solution called Mjölnir, which harnesses a high-power microwave weapon to defeat drones.
The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has selected Leidos to develop a $26 million prototype C-UAS system called Mjölnir, to feature an advanced high-power microwave (HPM) weapon.
Delivery of the prototype is planned for Q1 2023.
The prototype system will be derived from the Tactical High-Power Operational Responder (THOR) C-UAS technology demonstrator, the AFRL noted in a 25 February announcement. The technology will be the same but Mjölnir (named after the hammer of Thor in Norse mythology) ‘will add important advances in capability, reliability, and manufacturing readiness’.
THOR has been tested operationally at an undisclosed African location where it used bursts of intense radio waves to disable sUAS ‘instantly’, the AFRL stated.
Lessons learned from these operational tests will define the new requirements for Mjölnir ‘and will be the baseline configuration for future systems to be deployed around the world’, said Adrian Lucero, THOR programme manager at the AFRL Directed Energy Directorate in Kirtland AFB.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Saab to manufacture Carl-Gustaf M4 near New Delhi as Swedish firm eyes Indian expansion]()
Saab to manufacture Carl-Gustaf M4 near New Delhi as Swedish firm eyes Indian expansion
Saab has planned to build “a streamlined ownership structure” in India to accelerate its investment plans and developing capabilities in the country.
-
![Japan orders THeMIS UGVs]()
Japan orders THeMIS UGVs
Milrem’s Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) is a modular, multimission, hybrid UGV. The current fifth-generation model incorporates knowledge gained during tests in the US, Europe and the Middle East, as well as during field-deployment in Mali in the French-led Operation Barkhane.
-
![GDELS rolls out Piranha HMC]()
GDELS rolls out Piranha HMC
General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) MOWAG has introduced the Piranha Heavy Mission Carrier (10x10), an enhanced version of its Piranha armoured vehicle series, featuring increased payload capacity and specialised configurations for diverse battlefield roles.
-
![NATO orders more 155mm ammunition]()
NATO orders more 155mm ammunition
The contract, in the triple-digit million euro range, includes high explosive extended range projectiles, modular charges, fuzes and primers.
-
![US deploys Mid-Range Capability missile defence system to the Philippines]()
US deploys Mid-Range Capability missile defence system to the Philippines
Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile defence system has leveraged Lockheed Martin’s expertise with two in-service USN systems: the MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) and the Aegis Weapon System.
-
![USMC narrows down field for light loitering munition requirement]()
USMC narrows down field for light loitering munition requirement
The US Marine Corps selected a team of UVision and Mistral to meet a requirement for Organic Precision Fires Mounted (OPF-M) loitering munition in 2021. It has now awarded contracts for the soldier carried light (OPF-L) version after the success of similar systems in Ukraine highlighted the potential for such weapons.
