Last month, Electro Optic Systems (EOS) participated in the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program’s 2024 Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (CUAS) Sandbox event alongside innovators from Canada and around the world. Counter-drone prototypes were tested in realistic scenarios during the event, and EOS showcased its Laser Dazzler technology.
Led by Ian Hilton-Cowie, EOS Projects Engineering Lead, and the EOS Defence Systems Titanis Team, the demonstration highlighted the Laser Dazzler’s potential as part of their counter-drone solutions. Integrated into the company’s Slinger counter-drone system, the Laser Dazzler demonstrated its ability to degrade, deny, and destroy the electro-optical sensors on typical UAS using a non-lethal, zero-collateral laser.
Andreas Schwer, Group CEO of Electro Optic Systems, said, “EOS has established itself as the pioneer in Laser Dazzling technology, being the first to integrate it into remote weapon systems successfully. Through the success of our Slinger system, we have proven our ability to deliver accurate counter-drone technologies. The Laser Dazzler builds on this experience, using our world-leading technology to extend options for non-lethal payloads.”
The Laser Dazzler enhances the remote weapon system (RWS) with optic-dazzling, disabling, and disengaging capabilities, providing a robust solution for countering uncrewed threats. It can be integrated with an RWS as a near drop-in replacement for the 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. It allows operators to choose between lethal or non-lethal scalable kinetic electronic warfare (SKEW) measures against aerial threats.
The dazzle effects from CUAS begin at the effective range of its camera. Laser light, being of a single wavelength and coherent, can travel far in a vacuum but disperses over distance in the atmosphere. The Laser Dazzler features customized beamforming and optics designed to achieve the necessary power density at operational ranges tailored to tactical requirements.
Maintaining sensor integrity is crucial for Group 1 UAVs, which rely heavily on global positioning systems (GPS), global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), and inertial navigation systems (INS) for navigation and payload delivery. The Laser Dazzler’s ability to mitigate sensor damage from light exposure ensures sustained operational accuracy.
Developed in Australia specifically for export markets, the Laser Dazzler addresses current and emerging threats from uncrewed systems, incorporating lessons from recent conflicts like Ukraine.
Post Image Credit- Electro Optic Systems
