INLEAP Photonics is launching series production of its FASTLIGHT HELD laser-based counter-uncrewed aircraft system (C-UAS) at a new facility in Hanover, Germany. Production is due to ramp up in November, with the first turnkey systems being handed over to defence technology company STARK.
The FASTLIGHT HELD (High Energy Laser Drone) is mounted on an all-terrain uncrewed ground platform and uses a laser to neutralise drones by targeting critical structural components. The system detects, tracks and identifies targets before directing the laser beam at them, with high-speed beam steering designed to maintain precision against moving drones.
The company said the new facility will use a six-station production line based on a one-piece flow process, with each system moving through the stations without intermediate storage. The move marks a transition from prototype development to industrial-scale manufacturing.
The production launch follows a joint demonstration by INLEAP Photonics and the Cyber Innovation Hub of laser-based drone defence at Strausberg airfield near Berlin, conducted as part of their Laserdome innovation project.
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Image: INLEAP Photonics
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