A collaboration between two US companies has reached the prototype stage with a new laser-based counter-drone system designed to function with or without a human operator.
Florida-based Laser Photonics and Fonon Technologies have advanced their Laser Shield Anti-Drone System (LSAD) after completing initial testing.
LSAD uses a high-density laser beam to rapidly take down hostile drones, offering a lower-cost alternative to traditional missile-based interceptor systems.
It is envisioned to be quickly deployable to battlefields, with the system designed to be integrated into target recognition platforms in military forces.
Equipped with high-performance optics, LSAD can automatically focus on targets from distances of up to 1,000 meters (3,281 feet), while an integrated tracking system monitors threats from ranges at up to 2 kilometers (1.2 miles).
Once a target is confirmed, the system can disrupt or disable drones by blinding onboard cameras, degrading guidance systems, or fully neutralizing the platform within approximately 10 seconds at ranges of up to 1 kilometer (0.6 miles).
A US-Made Solution
LSAD will be manufactured in Florida using globally sourced components, with Laser Photonics and Fonon Technologies sharing facilities and technical resources throughout the effort.
The companies are also expected to tap industry partners to explore how LSAD can integrate into existing military equipment, following calls from the US government for more robust and rugged counter-drone solutions.
“The threat posed by small, low-cost drones is real and growing, and defense stakeholders need proven, rapidly deployable solutions that can be integrated into existing infrastructure,” said Wayne Tupuola, CEO of Laser Photonics.
“By advancing to system prototyping and extended range trials, we are taking a deliberate, disciplined approach to bringing a cost-effective directed-energy capability to market.”
