💥 This laser can shoot down a drone in mid-flight, and with impressive precision

2024-07-01 06:00:13

The Australian Army is innovating with the Fractl, a laser weapon capable of neutralizing drones in mid-flight. This system, developed by AIM Defence, might well redefine the way the military confronts aerial threats.

The directed energy weapon system during a demonstration at the Puckapunyal military area.

Drones, whether small or large, represent a real challenge for armed forces today. Used massively in recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, they require effective and economical neutralization solutions. It is in this context that the Australian army tested the Fractl, a portable laser capable of shooting down a drone in full flight with impressive precision.

During trials at the Puckapunyal military area in Victoria, the Fractl demonstrated its ability to shoot down a drone from 1,000 metres away while flying at 100km/h. The system uses a laser beam the size of a 10p coin to hit its target.

At the push of a button, the computer takes over and allows you to precisely aim different parts of the drone, such as the camera or the propellers. Conventional systems, in comparison, require a large quantity of ammunition for less reliable results. Private Patrick Flanagan, who took part in the tests, described the experiment as “a game video“: “You press one button to follow the drone, then another to shoot.”

Melbourne AIM Defence designed this laser that uses less energy than it takes to boil a kettle. The weapon can operate on both battery and mains power, providing flexibility for use in the field. This technology has the advantage of being able to be used almost infinitely, as long as it is supplied with energy, which makes it a particularly economical solution compared to conventional weapons.

Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Eli Lea of ​​the Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office (RICO) stressed the importance of this type of technology for the future of the armed forces: “Directed energy weapons, like the Fractl, offer a solution with an ‘infinite magazine,’ as long as there is energy. Directed energy systems control Modern shooting ranges, specifically designed to track and engage drones, are essential.”

Lessons learned from recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, show that drones are a real threat and that it is essential to develop suitable tools to counter them effectively. The Fractl might well become one of these indispensable tools on the battlefields of tomorrow.

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