A containerised excessive power laser demonstrator developed by Rheinmetall and MBDA in Germany has moved from sea trials to additional testing on the Laser Competence Centre in Meppen, the businesses stated.
The companions stated a completely operational system might be obtainable from 2029, topic to additional trials and integration work, based on their joint press launch.
The demonstrator spent a 12 months at sea aboard the frigate Sachsen, the place it accomplished greater than 100 reside firing trials and extra monitoring assessments. Rheinmetall and MBDA stated these trials proved the system’s robustness and efficiency underneath real looking maritime situations, together with engagement of small, fast-paced targets with out counting on the panorama as a beam block.
The container has now been commissioned on the Technical Centre for Weapons and Ammunition, WTD 91, in Meppen for additional land based mostly drone defence testing.
Rheinmetall and MBDA positioned the demonstrator as a complement to current shipboard weapons, saying the laser can neutralise drones and small boats at low price per shot whereas liberating missiles and weapons for larger worth threats.
The businesses added that the system may, with future enhancements, be developed to have interaction supersonic guided missiles, rockets, and even mortar and artillery projectiles, though these capabilities stay potential and would require important energy and monitoring upgrades. All functionality claims are certified by the companies’ statements.
Work on the programme has been cut up between the 2 companies. MBDA in Germany is chargeable for goal detection and monitoring, the management console, and integration with command and management. Rheinmetall handles aiming, beam steering, mechanical and electrical integration aboard the Sachsen and the excessive power laser supply and peripherals. The companions described the hassle as “designed and made in Germany,” reflecting an extended standing cooperation that started in 2019.
WTD 91’s involvement within the acceptance course of at Meppen was highlighted as a validation step forward of accelerated trials ashore. The businesses stated the land based mostly part will refine the demonstrator’s drone counter capabilities underneath managed situations and inform any choices about fleet integration.
The press launch stated the know-how has proven “excessive response velocity and accuracy in combating drones,” however trade observers observe operational deployment will hinge on energy era, cooling, and ship integration points.