Dstl tests DragonFire laser weapon at Porton Down

Overseen by the MOD’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), the tests have seen the laser directed energy weapon (LDEW) trained on a number of targets at different distances, assessing the capabilities of the demonstrator system. Although the precise capabilities of DragonFire are classified, Dstl said these trials were conducted over a maximum distance of 3.4km.  

For many years the preserve of science fiction, LDEWs have been edging ever closer to the front lines of defence in recent years. According to Dstl, some of the benefits of laser weapons include lower cost lethality, reduced logistical burden and increased effectiveness compared to other weapon systems.

“This trial is the culmination of design, development and demonstration activity over a number of years,” said Dstl technical partner, Ben Maddison.

“DragonFire has already successfully demonstrated an ability to track targets with very high levels of precision and to maintain a laser beam on the selected aim-point. This trial has assessed the performance of the laser itself – the outcome shows that the UK has world-leading capability in the technologies associated with laser directed energy weapons (LDEW) systems.”

The £100m programme has seen experts form across the UK defence sector come together to form a ‘centre of excellence’, drawing knowledge from a variety of technical areas. Working under the umbrella of Dstl, the DragonFire industry partners are:

• MBDA, with overall responsibility for the system; MBDA have developed the advanced command and control (C2) and image processing capabilities
• Leonardo, who have developed the beam director which can track and point at targets with pin-point accuracy
• QinetiQ’s laser experts, who have built a phase-combined laser capable of generating in the order of 50kW of power, with the ability in the future to scale fire-power levels

“These successful trials are the latest step in accelerating delivery of a UK sovereign laser directed energy weapon (LDEW) capability,” said Chris Allam, UK managing director and executive group director of engineering at MBDA.

“MBDA, Leonardo, QinetiQ and Dstl all working together are putting the UK at the forefront of research and technology in laser domain. The results from these trials have verified analysis and given the team confidence that DragonFire will offer a near term and unique capability.”