50-kW laser weapon passes tests

Rheinmetall AG’s new 50-kW high-energy laser weapon technology demonstrator has tested successfully in snowy conditions and blinding sunlight. The demonstrator consisted of two functional models: a 30-kW weapon station integrated into an Oerlikon revolver gun air defense turret for static and dynamic tests, coupled with an Oerlikon Skyguard fire control unit; and a 20-kW weapon station integrated into a first-generation Revolver Gun turret, patched in for static tests.

Rheinmetall’s new 50-kW high-energy laser weapon technology demonstrator passed testing in snowy conditions and blinding sunlight.

The device cut through a 15-mm-thick steel girder at a range of 1000 m, shot down several diving target unmanned aerial vehicles at a range of 2 km flying more than 50 m/s, and engaged an 82-mm-diameter steel ball representing a mortar round and traveling approximately 50 m/s.

Rheinmetall, based in Düsseldorf, Germany, is a global automotive components and defense equipment technology group.