Leonardo DRS and BlueHalo Successfully Demonstrate New C-UAS Directed Energy Stryker

In the ever-evolving landscape of defense technology, BlueHalo and Leonardo DRS have achieved a significant milestone. The two companies recently demonstrated a new Counter-UAS Directed Energy Stryker, showcasing the potential of laser weapon systems in modern warfare. This groundbreaking development has a profound impact on the future of military operations and defense strategies.

The successful live-fire demonstration highlights the rapid progress in directed energy technologies. It underscores the collaboration between industry leaders like BlueHalo, Leonardo DRS, and Northrop Grumman to create innovative solutions for countering unmanned aerial systems. The article will explore the key technologies and capabilities of this system, its rapid development process, and the implications for future warfare. Additionally, it will delve into the potential this advancement holds for BlueHalo careers and the broader defense industry.

Successful Live-Fire Demonstration

Details of the Demonstration in Socorro, N.M.

The successful live-fire demonstration of the Counter-UAS Directed Energy Stryker took place last month in Socorro, New Mexico. During the two-day event, U.S. Army officials witnessed the mobile C-UAS capability in action as it successfully destroyed numerous drones using BlueHalo’s 26kW LOCUST Laser Weapon System. The demonstration showcased the Stryker’s ability to engage and neutralize aerial threats, highlighting the potential of directed energy technologies in modern warfare.

Performance Against Group 1-3 UAS

Throughout the demonstration, the C-UAS DE Stryker proved its effectiveness against Group 1-3 unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The Stryker’s primary kinetic effectors, including EOS Defense Systems’ R400 30mm remote weapon station with Northrop Grumman’s XM914 cannon and BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, demonstrated their ability to engage and destroy multiple drone targets. The system’s non-kinetic capabilities, featuring BlueHalo’s LOCUST Laser Weapon System, also showcased its precision in neutralizing aerial threats.

Near-Simultaneous C-UAS and Ground Engagements

One of the most impressive aspects of the demonstration was the C-UAS DE Stryker’s capability to handle near-simultaneous air and ground threats. The system successfully engaged drones with its laser weapon while simultaneously targeting ground threats using the 30mm remote weapon station. This multi-layered defense capability highlights the versatility and effectiveness of the Stryker platform in contested environments, providing soldiers with enhanced protection and lethality against a wide range of threats.

The successful live-fire demonstration of the Counter-UAS Directed Energy Stryker marks a significant milestone in the development of advanced counter-drone technologies. The collaboration between Leonardo DRS, BlueHalo, and other industry partners has resulted in a mobile, multi-layered defense solution that addresses the growing challenges posed by unmanned aerial systems in modern warfare. As the demand for effective C-UAS solutions continues to grow, the Stryker platform’s success in this demonstration positions it as a promising option for the U.S. Army and other military forces seeking to enhance their counter-drone capabilities.

Key Technologies and Capabilities

BlueHalo’s 26kW LOCUST Laser Weapon System

The C-UAS DE Stryker’s non-kinetic effectors include BlueHalo’s LOCUST Laser Weapon System (LWS), a 26-kilowatt laser that combines precision optical and laser hardware with advanced software and processing. Stored inside the Stryker and deployed when a threat is detected, the LOCUST LWS enables and enhances the directed energy “kill chain,” tracking, identifying, and defeating Group 1-3 UAS and other threats. The system’s modularity and ease of integration across platforms make it an ideal fit for the Stryker armored vehicle.

Kinetic Effectors and On-Board Radar

The Stryker features two primary kinetic effectors: EOS Defense Systems’ USA R400 30mm remote weapon station (RWS) with Northrop Grumman’s XM914 cannon and BAE Systems’ 2.75″ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) fired from an Arnold Defense launcher. These kinetic capabilities are cued by the on-board DRS’ RPS-92 nMHR radar, which provides long-range detection, continuous tracking, and weapon system cueing.

Non-Kinetic Technologies for Comprehensive Threat Detection

In addition to the LOCUST LWS, the C-UAS DE Stryker employs BlueHalo’s Titan C-UAS™ and Titan-SV non-kinetic technologies. These systems deliver comprehensive 360° surveillance and threat detection, as well as mitigation of Group 1 and 2 drone threats. The combination of kinetic and non-kinetic effectors, along with advanced radar and surveillance capabilities, enables the Stryker to provide soldiers with enhanced lethality and protection against both ground and air threats in contested environments.

The successful integration of these cutting-edge technologies from BlueHalo, Leonardo DRS, Northrop Grumman, and other industry partners has resulted in a mobile, multi-layered defense solution that addresses the growing challenges posed by unmanned aerial systems. As the demand for effective counter-UAS solutions continues to grow, the C-UAS DE Stryker’s performance in recent demonstrations positions it as a promising option for the U.S. Army and other military forces seeking to enhance their counter-drone capabilities.

Rapid Development and Industry Collaboration

Eight-Month Design and Build Process

The rapid development of the Counter-UAS Directed Energy Stryker is a testament to Leonardo DRS’s experience in building cohesive teams and delivering air defense capabilities to the Army. In just eight months, Leonardo DRS and its industry partners designed, built, and tested this Stryker-based prototype. By leveraging DRS’s proven expertise, the team was able to move quickly and efficiently, bringing this critical capability to warfighters in record time.

Coalition of Industry Partners

The success of the C-UAS DE Stryker project can be attributed to the strong coalition of industry partners brought together by Leonardo DRS. This collaboration included BlueHalo, EOS Defense Systems USA, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Digital Systems Engineering, Arnold Defense, and AMPEX. Each partner contributed their unique expertise and technologies to create a comprehensive, multi-layered defense solution that addresses the challenges faced by warfighters in contested environments.

Integration of Best-of-Breed Technologies

The C-UAS DE Stryker showcases the seamless integration of best-of-breed technologies from the coalition of industry partners. As the lead vehicle integrator, DRS Land Systems worked across the coalition to ensure that each component, from BlueHalo’s LOCUST Laser Weapon System to Northrop Grumman’s XM914 cannon, was optimized for performance and interoperability. This integration of cutting-edge technologies has resulted in a mobile, multi-layered defense solution that provides enhanced lethality and protection against both ground and air threats.

The rapid development and successful demonstration of the Counter-UAS Directed Energy Stryker highlight the importance of industry collaboration in addressing the evolving challenges faced by warfighters. By bringing together a coalition of industry leaders and integrating their best-of-breed technologies, Leonardo DRS and BlueHalo have delivered a critical capability that will enhance the Army’s ability to counter unmanned aerial systems and protect soldiers in contested environments.

Implications for Future Warfare

The successful demonstration of the Counter-UAS Directed Energy Stryker has significant implications for the future of warfare. This innovative platform, developed through the collaboration of Leonardo DRS, BlueHalo, and other industry partners, addresses the growing challenges posed by unmanned aerial systems in modern combat scenarios.

Enhanced Mobility, Firepower, and Protection for Soldiers

The C-UAS DE Stryker provides soldiers with enhanced mobility, firepower, and protection, enabling them to effectively maneuver, fight, and survive in contested environments. The integration of BlueHalo’s LOCUST Laser Weapon System and other cutting-edge technologies ensures that soldiers have the tools they need to counter aerial threats while maintaining their ability to engage ground targets simultaneously. This multi-layered defense capability will be crucial in future conflicts where the use of drones is expected to increase.

Integration with Existing Defense Networks

The Stryker’s full integration with the U.S. Army’s Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) network ensures seamless interoperability with other Air Defense systems. This integration allows for efficient communication, coordination, and data sharing among various defense assets, enhancing the overall effectiveness of counter-drone operations. As the battlefield becomes increasingly complex and interconnected, the ability to integrate new technologies with existing defense networks will be essential for maintaining a tactical advantage.

Potential Impact on Counter-Drone Strategies

The success of the C-UAS DE Stryker in live-fire demonstrations has the potential to significantly impact counter-drone strategies employed by the U.S. Army and other military forces. The platform’s ability to effectively neutralize Group 1-3 UAS using both kinetic and non-kinetic effectors showcases the effectiveness of directed energy weapons in countering the drone threat. As the demand for advanced counter-UAS solutions continues to grow, the Stryker’s performance positions it as a promising option for future deployments, potentially shaping the development of counter-drone tactics and technologies in the years to come.

Conclusion

The successful demonstration of the Counter-UAS Directed Energy Stryker marks a significant leap forward in defense technology. This collaboration between Leonardo DRS, BlueHalo, and other industry partners has resulted in a mobile, multi-layered defense solution that addresses the growing challenges posed by unmanned aerial systems. The rapid development and integration of cutting-edge technologies showcase the potential to enhance military capabilities in contested environments.

Looking ahead, this advancement has a profound impact on the future of military operations and defense strategies. The Stryker’s ability to handle near-simultaneous air and ground threats provides soldiers with enhanced protection and lethality. As the demand for effective counter-UAS solutions continues to grow, this innovative platform is poised to shape the development of counter-drone tactics and technologies in the years to come, potentially revolutionizing the way military forces address aerial threats on the battlefield.