Leonardo DRS and BlueHalo have revealed successful live-fire demonstration of their latest Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Directed Energy (DE) Stryker.
This innovative mobile platform is designed to defeat Group 1-3 UAS with a combination of advanced kinetic and non-kinetic defeat technologies.
The recent demonstration, held for U.S. Army officials in Socorro, N.M., showcased the Stryker’s capabilities. The system effectively destroyed numerous drones using BlueHalo’s powerful 26kW LOCUST Laser Weapon System. Furthermore, the prototype exhibited near-simultaneous C-UAS and ground engagements, seamlessly integrating the laser with a 30mm remote weapon station (RWS).
Leonardo DRS, with its extensive experience in developing, integrating, and fielding mobile air defense and C-UAS solutions for the U.S. Army, played a pivotal role in this project. The company’s expertise in building cohesive teams and rapidly delivering air defense capabilities to the military enabled the rapid development of this cutting-edge prototype.
Aaron Hankins, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Leonardo DRS Land Systems, said; “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 defense 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 C-UAS DE Stryker is equipped with a comprehensive suite of kinetic and non-kinetic effectors. The kinetic systems include EOS Defense Systems’ USA R400 30mm RWS with Northrop Grumman’s XM914 cannon, as well as BAE Systems’ 2.75″ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System fired from an Arnold Defense launcher. The on-board radar, DRS’ RPS-92 nMHR, provides long-range detection, continuous tracking, and weapon system cueing.
The non-kinetic effectors, led by BlueHalo’s LOCUST LWS, offer a formidable counter to Group 1-3 UAS and other threats. The 26-kilowatt laser system combines precision optical and laser hardware with advanced software and processing to enable and enhance the directed energy “kill chain.” Additionally, the Stryker employs BlueHalo’s Titan C-UAS™ and Titan-SV non-kinetic technologies, delivering comprehensive 360° surveillance and threat detection and mitigation capabilities.
Mary Clum, BlueHalo Portfolio President and Corporate Executive Vice President, added; “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 armored vehicle.
“BlueHalo is thrilled to lean forward with our partners at Leonardo DRS and the incredible coalition of industry leaders that has come together. Our unique combination of operational know-how and innovation has enabled us to rapidly develop a critical capability that directly addresses the challenges our warfighters are facing daily in contested environments. We are excited to share this progress with customers and roll these systems out to the frontlines in support of our nation’s most critical missions.”
The C-UAS DE Stryker’s mobility, firepower, and protection equip soldiers with the necessary tools to maneuver, fight, and survive in contested environments. Fully integrated with the U.S. Army’s Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) network, the system ensures seamless interoperability with other air defense systems.
This innovative collaboration between industry leaders, including Leonardo DRS, BlueHalo, EOS Defense Systems USA, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Digital Systems Engineering, Arnold Defense, and AMPEX, has resulted in a game-changing C-UAS solution that addresses the growing challenges faced by warfighters in today’s complex operational landscapes.
