US Air Force Now Armed With Anti-Drone Laser Weapon

The US Air Force’s preparation for taking down drone threats advances, as they just introduced their first anti-drone laser, delivered by Raytheon.

According to recent information, Raytheon successfully delivered the first-ever laser-powered anti-drone weapon to the US Air Force, making the technology a part of their arsenal only a year after it was originally introduced. The weapon is a high-energy laser system, which is attached to an all-terrain vehicle. Google

Furthermore, it can detect and track drones through the use of electro-optical and infrared sensors. The weapon is capable of reacting instantly, and it can take down a threat within seconds following the detection. According to Raytheon, the system can deliver dozens of laser shots per charge, while it is powered by a standard 220V outlet. Raytheon did not specify the exact number of shots that the weapon can deliver per charge, but the company did state that it can be powered by a generator for managing extended periods in the field. It would also appear that the system was delivered earlier this month, and the US Air Force is currently preparing it for deployment. It will first be deployed overseas for an experiment that is likely going to last for about a year. The Air Force will also need time to train the device’s operators, test its effectiveness in the field, and alike.

The current assumption is that the device would be used for safeguarding US military bases from data-collecting drones, as well as for disabling illegal unmanned weapon-equipped threats. Meanwhile, Roy Azevedo, the president of Raytheon, stated that the fear and threat of drones continues to rise. Several years ago, only a few were afraid of such a threat, but these days, new reports involving drone attacks continue to emerge all the time. The company’s response to its client’s needs was quick and effective, delivering a laser device in less than 24 months, after starting off from the drawing board itself. What do you think about the US Air Force’s new security measure? Do you think that the drone threat is real? Leave a comment below and let us know.

Images are courtesy of Pixabay.

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