Defense technology company Epirus announced last week it has been awarded a $43,551,060 contract by the US Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO). The base contract covers delivery of two Integrated Fires Protection Capability High-Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM) Generation II (GEN II) systems, along with associated testing, support equipment, and spare parts. The agreement also includes options for additional tests, components, and support services.
The GEN II systems will build on the four IFPC-HPM units Epirus delivered to the Army in May 2024. These systems utilize Epirus’ internally developed solid-state, high-power microwave (HPM) technology platform, designed to counter electronics and protect critical assets through weaponized electromagnetic interference.
Enhancements in the GEN II systems reflect feedback from soldiers during testing of the first-generation units. This includes engineering development tests, joint integrated air and missile defense live-fire exercises, and operational assessments conducted with combatant commands.
“Our first IFPC-HPM prototypes were put through the wringer and emerged from sophisticated testing with favorable outcomes. The second generation of our energy-based HPM platform and the next increment of IFPC-HPM will be even more powerful, more mission capable and more impressive all around,” said Andy Lowery, Epirus CEO.
“Drones are everywhere. We’ve seen drone incursions over U.S. bases, incursions over our southern border and swarm attacks are defining overseas conflicts. Epirus is prepared to answer the Army’s call and rapidly produce at scale to help solve the asymmetric drone threat with our HPM technology.”
The GEN II systems are expected to more than double the effective range of their predecessors, increase power output by approximately 30 percent, and feature high-density batteries for extended operation and reduced reliance on external power sources. Additional upgrades include extra-long pulse widths to maximize energy output, high-duty burst mode for rapid multi-target engagement, and advanced waveform and polarization techniques to improve lethality against a wider array of threats. Usability improvements for soldiers are also part of the package.
These advancements will enable the RCCTO to conduct further performance validation through parametric assessments, inform future Program of Record requirements, and support the development of a broader directed energy portfolio aligned with the Army Transformation Initiative.
Źródło zdjęcia: Epir.
