The whole defense community recognizes the threat posed by UAV on the battlefield and the current lack of economically sustainable counter systems. MBDA’s answer is Sky Warden, a modular, scalable and evolvable system designed to integrate and control a large panel of sensors and effectors, in particular High-Energy Lasers (HEL), in order to neutralize class one and two UAVs. The lack of knowledge of HEL performance against UAV threats leads MBDA to explore experimentally HEL-UAV engagement scenarios. With tests performed at laboratory scale, we examine the level of vulnerability (Kill Probability) of UAVs in known conditions. The representativeness of dynamic laser-target interaction emulating atmospheric perturbations (absorption, diffraction, turbulence…) and target attitude evolution (incidence, speed…) is essential for the progressive development of meaningful vulnerability models. MBDA and ALPhANOV operate a versatile and common test facility, the Vulnerability Test Facility (VTF), enabling the reproduction of realistic engagement conditions. The improvement and implementation of its experimental capabilities for target vulnerability assessment lead to the continuous enrichment of an experimental database. Based on this data and a generic vulnerability approach, MBDA extends its field of knowledge in order to improve the effectiveness of destruction of UAVs by HEL.
As new threats arise in orbit, military forces need to protect their most valuable satellites. MBDA’s long term vision is to offer reactive military capabilities in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) enabling the delivery of graduated military effects against threats to high-value assets. Technical solutions must be compatible with a lawful and responsible use of space. In such context, potential effectors include High-Energy Lasers (HEL). The lack of real-world data on potential satellite vulnerabilities against HEL led MBDA to develop new testing capabilities to provide representative environments and technologies at laboratory scale. The objective is to provide quantitative responses to be able to dimension the effector with on-board energy, laser power and engagement characteristics. This effort is supporting the development of technologies enabling neutralisation of low-orbit threats while ensuring in-orbit safety and weapon assurance. MBDA and ALPhANOV operate a common test facility called the Vulnerability Test Facility (VTF), enabling the reproduction of realistic engagement conditions. The continuous improvement and implementation of its experimental capabilities leads to the enrichment of an experimental vulnerability database of all kinds of threats subject to Laser Directed Energy Weapons (LDEW).
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