Thursday, March 28, 2024

Boeing’s new laser gun proves its ability to counter UAS threats

The new Compact Laser Weapon System, developed by the U.S. aerospace giant Boeing, has proved its ability to counter unmanned aerial system (UAS) threats.

The Boeing Company announced on its Twitter account that in a recent test, Compact Laser Weapon System hit 19 out of 19 moving targets.

The Compact Laser Weapon Systems, or CLWS, is a portable laser system and can stand alone or pair with weapon platforms on vehicles or ships. Silent, invisible and precise—CLWS harnesses directed energy on its targets.

- ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW -

According to AFCEA International, for ground-based applications, the weapon can be placed on a tripod and on top of its corresponding military container, which houses the electric power and cooling subsystems.

The Silent Strike uses a 2 kW laser. The full laser weapon system, including the command-and-control and fire control components, are packed into a small shipping container. The total weight of a single CLWS system, including the container, is 2,267.96 kg.

Boeing’s Directed Energy expertise extends from the High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator – a laser system that has tracked and destroyed mortar rounds and unmanned aerial vehicles – to Compact Laser Weapon Systems that can stand alone or pair with weapon platforms on vehicles or ships. Directed Energy systems – powered by a vehicle’s or vessel’s diesel fuel supply or on-board power – deny and defeat threats with precision. With a low cost per shot and an infinite magazine, Directed Energy systems are effective over land, air and sea.

If you would like to show your support for what we are doing, here's where to do it.

If you wish to report grammatical or factual errors within our news articles, you can let us know by using the online feedback form.

Executive Editor

About author:

Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov is the editor-in-chief of Defence Blog. He is a journalist, an accredited defense advisor, and a consultant. His background as a defense advisor and consultant adds a unique perspective to his journalistic endeavors, ensuring that his reporting is well-informed and authoritative. read more

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

TRENDING NOW

Ukraine uncovers secrets of Russia’s new hypersonic missile

Ukrainian analysts have unveiled the classified specs of Russia's shadowy hypersonic cruise missile, the 3M22 Zircon, intercepted by US-made missile defense systems over Kyiv,...