Raytheon is to deliver a prototype high-power microwave (HPM) system to be deployed to troops overseas under a US Air Force contract. Troops will use the HPM system to destroy hostile drones.
Raytheon’s HPM system uses directed energy to take down drones. HPM’s wide beam can disable multiple targets at one time. The contract follows a separate Air Force contract in which Raytheon will build two prototype high-energy laser systems, also to be deployed overseas. The HPM and HEL systems can be used independently or together to counter-unmanned aerial system threats.
Dr. Thomas Bussing, Raytheon Advanced Missile Systems Vice President, said: “There’s more than one way to defeat a drone. We are delivering the world’s first defensive directed energy systems that can be used alone or in tandem to defeat enemy drones at the speed of light.”
Raytheon is integrating multiple proven technologies to counter the unmanned aerial system threat across a wide range of scenarios – from commercial airports to forward operating bases to crowded stadiums. Raytheon’s portfolio of sensors, command and control systems, and kinetic and non-kinetic effectors covers all aspects of the UAS threat.
The HPM and HEL contracts follow successful demonstrations of Raytheon’s directed energy systems for the Air Force and the US Army.
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