DragonFire is a laser directed energy weapon (LDEW), which was developed by UK Ministry of Defence. This weapon can be used to destroy air targets by burning them. It is expected to provide near-range air defense for naval ships. It can stop uncrewed enemies like flying robots or mortars as well as protect military troops against enemy mortars or rockets.
DragonFire is based on a novel coherent beam-combining technology that allows a scalable laser system to be built. The system is made up of two lasers, which produce a single beam. The laser can also be linked to a beamdirector, which allows targets to be tracked with extremely precise precision. DragonFire is capable of dismantling steel targets at up two miles. It can also produce up 50 kilowatts. It is expected that it will be capable of delivering powerful laser effects without using ammunition or other materials.
DragonFire is currently being developed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and a UK consortium of industry. The consortium includes MBDA UK (GKN), Arke, QinetiQ as well as BAE Systems. It was designed to eliminate aerial targets on the sea and in the air, including enemy planes, helicopters and drones.
DragonFire has been developed in parallel with the MoD’s Novel Weapons Programme. The program was established by the MoD to help it develop new weapon system that can face modern threats. Scientists have been assigned by the West to develop a strategy to counter these missiles.
The DragonFire solution draws on expertise across Dstl, including the design and development of a 50-kilowatt phase-combined laser by Qinetiq. The system also features advanced command and control systems as well as image processing capabilities. The next step is to combine the results of the first two trials to determine how the laser can track targets at various distances.
The UK Dragonfire consortium is currently building a new laser weapon demonstrator for the UK Ministry of Defence. Dstl granted a contract to the consortium in January 2017 to start testing the MoD's laser-directed energy weapons. The tests will confirm and deepen the UK's understanding of high-energy lasers.
The first DragonFire weapon test took place at the Porton Down science park testing range in Wiltshire. There, researchers tried the new laser. It was then tested against a variety targets, including small and large drones as well metal targets at different distances. The demonstration was attended by experts from multiple fields.
The laser weapon's physical limits were tested during the trial. This will allow it to produce high-power laser beams and maintain pinpoint accuracy. The trial also validated the laser's capability to generate useful effects and provide effective protection for military forces. The next stage will involve engaging the demonstrator against real-world targets. The trial will culminate in a major demonstration in 2019
The DragonFire laser system is designed to kill unmanned aircraft and intercept missiles while in mid-air. It protects ground forces and naval ships. The laser installation uses electric power rather than ammunition, and has been developed to meet the MoD's requirements for a new laser weapon.