DragonFire (a new laser directed energy weapon) (LDEW), developed by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), is designed to burn into aerial targets. It is expected it to provide air defense at close range for naval vessels. It can also stop uncrewed enemies such as flying robots and mortars, as well as protect military forces against enemy mortars and 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. A beam director can be used to track targets with high precision. DragonFire laser is capable to destroy steel targets within two miles of its target. It has a power output of up to 50 Kilowatts. It is expected that it can deliver powerful laser effects even without ammunition or other materials.
DragonFire is currently under development by a UK consortium of industry and the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The consortium includes MBDA UK, GKN, Arke, QinetiQ, and BAE Systems. It was designed to eliminate aerial targets on the sea and in the air, including enemy planes, helicopters and drones.
DragonFire was developed in parallel to 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. Western officials have tasked scientists to find a way to counter these missiles.
DragonFire draws upon expertise from Dstl including Qinetiq's design and development for a 50-kilowatt, phase-combined laser. The system also features advanced command and control systems as well as image processing capabilities. The next step involves combining the results of both the first and second trials to determine if the laser can track targets at different distances.
The UK Dragonfire consortium has been busy building a new weapon demonstrator for UK Ministry of Defence. Dstl in January 2017 awarded the contract to the consortium for the testing of the MoD’s laser directed energy weapon systems. The tests will verify the effectiveness of the new weapon and provide insight into the UK's use of high-energy lasers.
The first DragonFire test was performed at the Porton Down science and test range in Wiltshire. This is where the new laser weapon was tested. It was then used against a variety different targets including small drones and larger metal targets at different distances. Experts from many fields attended the demonstration.
The purpose of the trial was to verify the laser weapon's physical limits. The laser weapon will now be capable of delivering high-powered laser beams while maintaining precise 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 end with a major demonstration in 2019.
The DragonFire laser installation can intercept and destroy unmanned aircraft and missiles in midair. It also protects naval ships and ground forces. The laser installation uses electric power rather than ammunition, and has been developed to meet the MoD's requirements for a new laser weapon.