- LOCUST laser tested aboard USS George HW Bush during live drone engagement
- Palletized system implemented without permanent ship modification during demonstration
- Newer versions of Locust introduce AI-assisted tracking and higher power output
Drone warfare has expanded rapidly in recent years, with a large number of low-cost systems used in conflicts such as Ukraine and in operations linked to Iran.
Defending against repeated drone attacks has exposed the limits of traditional interceptors, leading the US military (and others) to explore laser weapons that can fire repeatedly without running out of ammunition.
AeroAmbiente says it has successfully demonstrated its LOCUST laser weapons system aboard the aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush during a live-fire exercise conducted with the US Navy and the US Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.
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Designed to counter smaller drones
The palletized LOCUST laser weapons system was deployed on the aircraft carrier and tracked, engaged and neutralized multiple unmanned aerial vehicles, demonstrating that the system could operate from a moving carrier environment.
The high-energy laser is mounted on a turret that can move on different platforms. This design allows the system to operate from its own battery bank or draw power directly from a ship, reducing the need for permanent installation work.
“LOCUST delivers effective, all-domain protection against emerging drone threats at the speed of light, on any platform, in any domain, for any mission,” said John Garrity, vice president of AV Directed Energy Systems.
“Bringing LOCUST to a ship and rapidly initiating operations facilitates expanded use of high-energy lasers across the Fleet without the need for costly and time-consuming modifications. This is a game-changer for the Navy and for our national security.”
AeroVironment said the system demonstrated target tracking and beam control while operating aboard the aircraft carrier, and that the same core system architecture is shared across multiple military services, so the technology can be used on both land vehicles and ships.
The war zone says this appears to be the first time such a laser weapon has been installed on a US aircraft carrier, and that systems like LOCUST typically operate in the roughly 20 kW power range. This puts them in the category of weapons primarily intended to counter smaller drones.
TWZ also notes that lasers still face practical limits in operational environments. The effectiveness of the beam decreases with distance and weather conditions such as dust, smoke or humidity can reduce performance before the beam reaches its target.
defense express notes that AeroVironment has continued to develop newer versions of the system, including an updated model known as Locust X3.
This version supports power levels between 20kW and 35kW and includes AI-assisted detection and tracking tools.
defense express It also reports that shooting down a drone using the Locust X3 laser system only costs five dollars, with no need to recharge, making it useful for long periods.
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