Solid State Laser Destroys UAVs

If all goes well in future tests, the venerable Phalanx close-in weapons system will be getting a laser upgrade to its capabilities.

For the first time, a solid-state laser has successfully destroyed a flying drone in a naval environment.

The tests, performed by Raytheon with the Navy, occurred off of San Nicholas Island, Calif. over several days in late May. Four UAVs were destroyed, according to Mike Booen, vice president of directed energy.

Booen spoke with DoD Buzz in an exclusive interview at the Farnborough Air Show. The company mounted six 5.5kw solid-state lasers with a Phalanx gun system. The radar used the Phalanx’s targeting system, Booen said. And the famous guns could be used to supplement the radar.

By: Shelldrake