Portable laser Fractl destroys objects the size of a coin at a distance of up to 1000 meters
The Australian Ministry of Defense has demonstrated the world’s most powerful portable high-energy laser weapon capable of shooting down drones with high accuracy.
Drones have become a serious threat, so new means are being developed to combat them – and lasers are becoming an increasingly attractive addition to the arsenal of warfare. The advantage of lasers is that they hit targets at the speed of light with an infinite number of shots at a cost of a dollar per shot.
Australia has unveiled the Fractl high-energy portable laser developed by AIM Defense. The new system, which weighs less than 50 kg, has been successfully tested by the Australian Army at a tank range.
The tests were conducted along with conventional anti-drone weapons. While the latter consumed a lot of ammunition and often could not destroy approaching targets until they reached close range, the laser weapon worked silently, destroying drones.
According to the manufacturer, Fractl can be powered by both battery and AC power and is designed for different drone response options. The laser can destroy an object the size of a dime moving at 100 km/h at a distance of 1000 meters or burn sensors at an altitude of 1500 meters. It is silent and soldiers can be trained to use it in minutes.
Fractl can also react by blinding sensors or causing light damage. The laser can be precisely aimed using a handheld controller that allows the operator to choose which part of the drone to target for maximum effect.
“You press a button to track the drone and the computer takes over, then you press another button to pull the trigger, like in a video game,” said Cpl. “Using your index finger, you can quickly switch the scope between the drone’s video camera, the center mass, or one of the propellers. It only takes a few seconds to disable the camera and two or three seconds to disable the rotor.”
This precise control allows the laser to carry out highly accurate attacks, cutting wires or burning explosives, and achieve complete destruction with a power that is described as less than what is needed to boil a kettle. The targeting system can handle both individual and group attacks. In addition, the laser design does not harm people.
