Rheinmetall and the German armed forces have successfully tested a high-energy laser (HEL) effector that was installed on a German warship operating on the high seas, the company announced on 19 February.
Rheinmetall mounted a 10-kilowatt HEL effector on a MLG 27 light naval gun to conduct the test, which included tracking of potential targets, including UAVs and very small surface craft. The HEL effector was also tested against stationary targets on land.
The company claims that the test demonstrated the effectiveness of its HEL effector technology in maritime operations and revealed information important for the development of future HEL naval effectors.
The MLG 27 light gun is designed to provide point-defence protection for both land- and sea-based units. The naval variant of the weapon system is designed for layered ship self-defence and can engage surface and air targets, including high-speed, highly manoeuvrable watercraft and targets on shore.
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