Thales ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ and ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide partner to explore long-range counter UAS laser technology
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- Thales ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ and the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide recently announced a partnership to explore development of a unique Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) to counter battlespace threats, including fast-moving swarms of low-profile, armed Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) at extended ranges.
- The partnership will explore the application of ultra-short pulse LDEW where long-range continuous wave systems have traditionally been used.Ìý
- Ultra-short pulse lasers (USPL) can be transformative in the development of Directed Energy capabilities, one of the six immediate priorities for the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA).
Historically, counter-drone LDEW are based on continuous wave systems that are more limited in range and slower to counter threats.Ìý
A USPL-based capability is more effective at long range, can penetrate through fog or cloud, and has a significantly smaller weight, space and power requirement, enabling mobility, transportability and integration into vehicles and smaller platforms. Ìý Ìý
Graham Evenden – Thales ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ Director Business GrowthÌýsaid “This is an exciting opportunity to work with the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide on a unique USPL technology that builds on Thales’ expertise in Directed Energy Weapons, optronics and laser science. This exploration has the potential to lay a strong foundation for future innovation in laser technologies for the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Defence Force and its allies.â€
Professor Anton Middelberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of AdelaideÌýsaid: "As one of the nation’s most research-intensive institutions the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide is pleased to be working with Thales ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ to undertake impactful research into Ultrashort and Short Pulse Laser (USPL) technology within the DualTech-USPL group. This partnership is part of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥â€™s commitment to ensuring it builds and maintains the research skills, infrastructure, commercialisation and knowledge transfer abilities required to contribute to the defence of our nation.â€