Leonardo DRS and BlueHalo announced the successful live-fire demonstration of a new Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Directed Energy (DE) Stryker, designed to target and defeat Group 1-3 UAS using multiple kinetic and non-kinetic technologies. The demonstration took place last month in Socorro, New Mexico, where U.S. Army officials witnessed the mobile C-UAS capability effectively destroying numerous drones with BlueHalo’s 26kW LOCUST Laser Weapon System. The test also featured near-simultaneous C-UAS and ground engagements, utilizing the laser alongside a 30mm remote weapon station (RWS). Over the two-day event, the DE Stryker successfully neutralized every drone.
Leonardo DRS brings extensive experience in developing and integrating mobile air defense and C-UAS solutions for the U.S. Army. This demonstration marks a significant milestone in a project that began with the recognition of the need for a multi-layered mobile C-UAS system built on best-in-class technologies from strong industry partners.
In just eight months, Leonardo DRS and our exceptional industry partners designed, built, and tested this Stryker-based Directed Energy Counter-UAS prototype. Our rapid progress was made possible by leveraging DRS’s experience in creating a cohesive team to quickly deliver air defense capabilities to the Army,” stated Aaron Hankins, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Leonardo DRS Land Systems. “Our C-UAS Directed Energy Stryker is a forward-looking capability available to warfighters today, and we’re excited to showcase it at the 2024 AUSA Annual Meeting.
The Stryker features two primary kinetic effectors: the EOS Defense Systems USA R400 30mm RWS, equipped with Northrop Grumman’s XM914 cannon, and BAE Systems’ 2.75” Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, launched from an Arnold Defense launcher. Onboard, the DRS RPS-92 nMHR radar provides long-range detection, continuous tracking, and weapon system cueing. As the lead vehicle integrator, DRS Land Systems collaborated across the coalition to integrate these capabilities.
Non-kinetic effectors include BlueHalo’s LOCUST LWS, which is stored within the Stryker and deployed upon threat detection. The 26-kilowatt LWS combines precision optical and laser hardware with advanced software to enhance the directed energy “kill chain,” enabling it to track, identify, and defeat Group 1-3 UAS and other threats. Additionally, the Stryker is equipped with BlueHalo’s Titan C-UAS™ and Titan-SV non-kinetic technologies, providing comprehensive 360° surveillance and threat detection against Group 1 and 2 drone threats.
“BlueHalo’s LOCUST Laser Weapon System is operationally deployed, proven, and trusted. Its modularity and ease of integration make it an ideal fit for the Stryker armored vehicle,” said Mary Clum, BlueHalo Portfolio President and Corporate Executive Vice President. “We are excited to collaborate with Leonardo DRS and our coalition of industry leaders. Our blend of operational expertise and innovation has allowed us to rapidly develop a critical capability that addresses the challenges faced by our warfighters in contested environments. We look forward to sharing our progress with customers and deploying these systems to the frontlines in support of our nation’s most critical missions.”
The C-UAS DE Stryker equips soldiers with the mobility, firepower, and protection necessary to operate effectively in contested environments. The Stryker’s enhanced lethality is designed to defeat both ground and aerial threats and is fully integrated with the U.S. Army’s Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) network, ensuring interoperability with other air defense systems.
The new C-UAS DE Stryker represents a collaborative effort among a coalition of industry partners, including Leonardo DRS, BlueHalo, EOS Defense Systems USA, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Digital Systems Engineering, Arnold Defense, and AMPEX.
