The Raytheon HELWS laser weapon was successfully tested for the first time in Great Britain on the Wolfhound armored car. The system is capable of shooting down drones at a distance of more than 1 km and is compatible with existing air defense systems.
Britain's laser weapon
First test of HELWS
The first successful test of the Raytheon HELWS laser weapon on the British Army's Wolfhound armored vehicle took place at the Defense Scientific and Technical Laboratory (DSTL) range in Porton Down. James Gray, chief executive of Raytheon UK, emphasized the importance of this achievement for the country.
Features and Features
HELWS is designed to combat first-class NATO drones weighing up to 150 kg. The system is easily integrated with existing air defense systems, including radar and command and staff platforms. According to Defense Industry Europe, this laser weapon is capable of destroying drones at a distance of more than a kilometer, tracking multiple targets simultaneously and firing at speeds exceeding the speed of light.
Economic efficiency and prospects
Although the exact cost of the system and individual shots has not been disclosed, Raytheon's laser weapons are said to be cost-effective. The next stage will be the testing of this technology directly by the British Army. It is worth noting that Raytheon UK is a key supplier to the Ministry of Defense of Great Britain, specializing in the development and production of defense and space products.
Other laser weapon developments
Britain previously demonstrated the DragonFire laser system, which costs only $13 per shot. However, the exact dates of its implementation have not yet been announced. In June of this year, the Australian Defense Force (ADF) successfully tested the Fractl portable laser installation, designed to combat drones traveling at speeds of up to 100 km/h. In 2022, the US Navy also successfully tested a high-energy laser system against a cruise missile counterpart.
Glossary
- Raytheon HELWS is a high-energy laser system developed by Raytheon to combat drones
- Wolfhound - armored vehicle of the British army, used for testing laser weapons
- DSTL - defense scientific and technical laboratory of Great Britain
- DragonFire - another laser system developed in Great Britain
- Fractl - portable laser installation developed by the Australian Defense Force
Link
- Laser Weapon Test on a British military vehicle
- DragonFire laser weapon demonstration
- US Navy Laser System Test
Answers to Questions
What new weapon was tested in Great Britain?
What capabilities does the Raytheon HELWS laser weapon have?
Are Raytheon Laser Weapons Economical?
Which countries are still developing laser weapons?
What are the future plans for Raytheon's laser weapons?
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Discussion of the topic – Raytheon's revolutionary laser weapon: Successful tests in Britain on a military vehicle
In Great Britain, Raytheon HELWS laser weapons were successfully tested for the first time on the Wolfhound armored car. This system is capable of shooting down drones at a distance of more than 1 km, which opens up new possibilities for countering drones in the military sphere.
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Oleksandr
Wow, this is amazing! A laser weapon on a military vehicle? Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie. I wonder how this will affect the future of military equipment? 🤔
Maria
Yes, Oleksandr, that's really impressive! Especially the fact that it can shoot down drones at a distance of more than 1 km. Can you imagine how this will change the tactics of warfare? 🚀
Hans
And I am more interested in the price of this item. They say that it is inexpensive, but they do not give specific figures. I would like to know how much one shot costs compared to normal shells. 💸
Sophie
Hans, I agree! But think about the savings for the long term. With DragonFire only costing $13 a shot, this system can be far more effective than traditional methods. Plus, less risk for the military! 👍
Giovanni
Eh, those fancy things again... Why all this? Previously, they fought without lasers, and nothing. Only money is thrown to the wind, which could be spent on something useful. 😒
Oleksandr
Giovanni, I understand your skepticism, but technology does not stand still. Such weapons can significantly reduce military and civilian casualties. Isn't it worth the investment? 🤷 ♂️
Maria
By the way, I was impressed that this system can track multiple targets at the same time! This is a revolution in defense! Imagine how it can protect important objects from drone attacks. 🛡️
Pierre
Totally agree with Maria! And it is also interesting that this technology is easily integrated with existing air defense systems. This means that its implementation can be quite fast and effective. The future is here! 🚀💥