Leonardo DRS unveils cutting-edge laser weapon system at AUSA 2024
The American division of Leonardo DRS showcased the latest iteration of its anti-aircraft and anti-drone Stryker at the AUSA 2024 trade show. This is a laser weapon capable of combating three targets simultaneously.
During the AUSA 2024 trade show, held from October 14 to 16, the American company Leonardo DRS received a CAD 106 million contract from General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) to integrate a new weapons package on the Stryker A1 IM-SHORAD anti-aircraft system, recently designated as SGT Stout.
The new weapons module will significantly increase effectiveness and reduce kill costs. The latter parameter is particularly important for drones, which can cost less than CAD 1,400.
The future of anti-aircraft Stryker SGT Stout — three systems in one
Leonardo DRS is working on a new weapons package for the SGT Stout. It consists of a Locoust laser weapon with a power of 26 kilowatts. It can destroy small drones from a distance of approximately 1 kilometre or more. The weapon is equipped with an XM914 30 mm automatic cannon with a range of 2 to 2.4 kilometres and a launcher for laser-guided APKWS missiles, which can hit targets up to 6 kilometres.
At the presentation, it was demonstrated how the laser eliminated an FPV drone within a few seconds. Despite the very high purchase cost and significant energy supply challenges, the greatest advantage of the laser weapon is the unit cost of shooting down a target, which is just a few cents.
In comparison, using programmable ammunition from the 30 mm automatic cannon costs CAD 1,400 per round, while an APWKS missile is over CAD 18,000 each. This is still very inexpensive compared to a single FIM-92 Stinger missile, which costs several hundred thousand dollars.
Powerful laser from the USA
This allows for layered protection in the case of a swarm of drones because the first to be used are rockets with a shrapnel range of up to 150 metres. Then, what survives is destroyed by the automatic cannon, and the remnants are finished off by the laser. In the case of a small-scale attack, all intruders can be destroyed with the low-cost laser, reserving more valuable weapons for more difficult targets.
It's worth noting that the SGT Stout is equipped with four fixed radar antennas made with AESA technology allowing for constant 360-degree airspace observation. These radars are designed to detect even the smallest drones, and the fire control system enables rapid categorization of targets and assignment to optimal weapons systems.
