Leonardo to Supply Laser Systems for US Military Aircraft

Leonardo DRS has secured a contract to provide its Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) solution for US military aircraft.

QCL is integrated into the fifth-generation Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) systems used to increase the survivability of aircraft.

The commercial off-the-shelf laser is designed with a lightweight structure and multi-color optical beams to defend against incoming anti-aircraft missiles.

Through the QCL, the CIRCM can track and neutralize threats with an unlimited number of rounds.

The laser’s critical capability can also be used for other tactical applications in addition to protecting rotary wing, tiltrotor, and small fixed-wing aircraft.

“We are proud to continue to provide this critical technology…to ensure the survivability of our flight crews from surface-to-air missile threats,” DRS Daylight Solutions SVP and General Manager Dr. Timothy Day said.

“Our ground-breaking quantum cascade laser technology represents the ultimate choice for aircraft survivability. As missile and other anti-aircraft threats continue to evolve and proliferate around the world, frontline helicopters will require capable systems like CIRCM to defeat these threats.”

https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/06/11/us-aircraft-laser-systems-leonardo/