Leonardo and BlueHalo recently announced the successful live-fire demonstration of their C-UAS Directed Energy (DE) Stryker vehicle, designed to counter Group 1-3 drones. The demonstration, which took place in Socorro, New Mexico, showcased the system’s ability to neutralise multiple drone threats using both kinetic and non-kinetic technologies. The event was held for U.S. Army officials, where the C-UAS DE Stryker successfully destroyed all drones presented over the course of two days.
BlueHalo’s LOCUST Laser Weapon System, a 26kW directed energy laser, was central to the system’s success. The demonstration also featured near-simultaneous engagements of drones and ground threats using both the laser and a 30mm remote weapon station (RWS). According to Leonardo DRS, the success of the test highlights the effectiveness of the new mobile C-UAS system.
Aaron Hankins, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Leonardo DRS Land Systems, stated:
“In just eight months, Leonardo DRS and our outstanding industry partners designed, built, and tested this Stryker-based Directed Energy Counter-UAS prototype. We were able to move quickly by leveraging DRS’s proven experience building a cohesive team of partners to rapidly deliver air defence capabilities to the Army. Our C-UAS Directed Energy Stryker is a future capability available to warfighters today, and we’re excited to display it during the 2024 AUSA Annual meeting.”
The Stryker vehicle integrates two primary kinetic effectors: EOS Defense Systems USA’s 30mm RWS, featuring Northrop Grumman’s XM914 cannon, and BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, launched from an Arnold Defense system.
The onboard radar, Leonardo DRS’ RPS-92 nMHR, offers long-range detection and tracking capabilities. BlueHalo’s LOCUST Laser Weapon System is deployed from inside the Stryker when a threat is detected, enabling it to identify and defeat drone threats.
Mary Clum, BlueHalo Portfolio President, commented on the laser system’s performance:
“BlueHalo’s LOCUST Laser Weapon System is operationally deployed, proven and trusted. Its modularity and ease of integration across platforms makes it a great fit for the Stryker armoured vehicle. BlueHalo is thrilled to lean forward with our partners at Leonardo DRS and the incredible coalition of industry leaders that has come together.”
The C-UAS DE Stryker is designed to give soldiers mobility, firepower and protection in contested environments. It is fully integrated with the U.S. Army’s Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) network, ensuring compatibility with other air defence systems. The coalition of industry partners involved in the project includes EOS Defense Systems USA, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Digital Systems Engineering, Arnold Defense and AMPEX.
Post Image Credit: Leonardo
