2023-06-30 06:19:35
Star Wars fans may be disappointed, this laser beam does not produce any noise or a particular color but it could be very effective. Designed by the Orleans SME CILAS, an anti-drone laser will be deployed as part of the aerial protection of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The threat from the sky already existed and it has taken on another dimension since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine. “Many malicious minds have watched videos on social networks of drones modified to carry an explosive,” warns an anti-drone specialist.
Capable of neutralizing all devices sold on the market
Integrated into the Air Force surveillance system, the Helma-P laser system (Multiple Application High Energy Laser – Power) is capable of neutralizing micro-drones (up to 25 kg) at a distance of 1 km ). Either all the commercial drones sometimes diverted from their use.
Invisible to the naked eye, the laser grills the flying device by projecting a powerful beam on the point of impact which instantly receives 1,800°C. Enough to pierce the plastic and burn the electronics of the drone. This 2 kW laser can also blind the remote-controlled vehicle by saturating its sensors with light. This directed energy weapon is based on a new generation of lasers…fiber optics.
“The laser effect is produced by an amplification of light made possible by its passage through an active medium and various stabilizing mirrors. This beam is also boosted by chemical elements, called rare earths, such as neodymium”, explains Laurent Fulbert, research engineer in optics and photonics at the CEA. “The interest of the fiber and its silica glass is to confine the light to make the beam more powerful and concentrated. These are the same lasers used in industrial metal cutting,” he recalls.
“The hit on goal is guaranteed”
No more need to use ammunition to destroy an ill-intentioned flying machine. “The hit is guaranteed because the light goes straight and the aiming system is based on a radar which detects and identifies the target up to 3 km away and gives a precise distance to the shooter”, highlights Laurent Tard, sales manager and marketing of CILAS (subsidiary of ArianeGroup).
According to these designers, the Helma-P has a cooling system and connects shots at a sustained rate to destroy several drones in a few seconds intervals. It will just be necessary to provide a secure crash zone so that the target does not crash into the public.
The Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) had tested its capabilities during trials in 2021. The French Navy embarked a prototype of this laser system and destroyed a drone on approach during a simulation.
From 12 to 14/06, aboard the FDA Forbin in the Mediterranean, the @DGA, the Navy and the CILAS company conducted a test campaign of the HELMA-P system, a laser anti-drone weapon. The integration of drones into operations is a major development in conflict and naval combat. pic.twitter.com/1Wy4G9P4Ds
— Marine nationale (@MarineNationale) June 20, 2023
The first technical tests for the coverage of the planetary event will take place at the start of the school year. In addition to this defense tool, air protection will also be provided by a drone interceptor drone, the first tests of which have been conclusive.
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