Boeing presented a portable laser cannon to destroy drones




Detail capture targets in real time from video demonstration installation HEL MD i>

The ubiquity of UAVs in the civilian population is a serious problem. Flights multicopter over the roads have been the cause of accidents, and once the drones, controlled by civilians, hampered to extinguish the fire with the help of helicopters and planes. Drones also pose a threat to civil aviation, and in light of the fact that the craftsmen have able to establish a regular quadrocopter gun , thereby making it in a combat unit, the issue of protection of these devices has become very acute. According to Wired , Boeing has unveiled its new development in the defense sector - Portable laser gun CLWS (Compact Laser Weapons System) to shoot down drones.

The new laser gun is a smaller version of the other development Boeing - fork laser unit HEL MD (High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator), designed to destroy mortar rounds still in the air. While HEL MD is prepared for use on the battlefield, his "younger brother» CLWS intended for protection of objects and air space in which the no-fly UAVs civilian origin.



Compact Laser Weapons System on Boeing i>

Boeing engineer created a laser gun capable of housing an average burn quadrocopters 2 seconds and damage the stuffing, which will lead to "knock down" the aircraft. Engineers have taken care of the security settings for the man. They have done everything so that no one was blinded by a laser gun used in the capacity of two kilowatts. The gun operates in the infrared beam and prevents visible light. The whole procedure is more like burning than shooting from fiction laser gun sound "of ISPs!", But in the silent burning ants.



Demonstration burning body UAV laser installation i>

Initial guidance to the target is performed manually by the operator using the controller on the xBox 360 (done for cheapness, ease of replacement and training of operators). After the initial capture of target gun control captures and holds it independently. As the laser beam moves at the speed of light, long lead goal and accurately calculate the trajectory of the software is not necessary - permissible error of up to 5 centimeters.

The existing prototype is designed for stationary use, but engineers are confident that they can make a gun that can be installed on moving objects: aircraft, cars, ships, and with a minimum of modification, as now Boeing has several options for purchasing guns energy. Supply power from a standard wall outlet may be at 220 volts, the generator at an army vehicle or battery (option maximum portability). In the latter case, the engineers claim that they have developed energy in batteries is enough for at least a couple of shots, depending on the model.

"This is a simple and inexpensive way to deal with the threat," said David DeYoung, director of «Boeing Laser & Electro-Optical Systems». The company has not calculated the final cost of the gun, but claims that the purchase will be only one, without the need for fixed costs on it. By purchasing one gun, you permanently forget about the defense spending of the UAV. Consumable only - it is, of course, electricity. With too all is simple enough - the gun has only one moving joint. All other parts are static. Also, the use of the laser removes one more question - flow of funds on the road for most modern weapons, ammunition.

Source: geektimes.ru/post/261042/