Rheinmetall’s hybrid solution for threat-commensurate, modern mobile air defence
04 February
2022 – Laser on board: The Skyranger 30 HEL is a hybrid solution designed to
thwart the full range of future airborne threats. Here, the interplay of a 30mm
automatic cannon, guided missiles, and a high-energy laser (HEL) results in a
mix of effectors unique in this combination. Teamed with a matching sensor mix,
the Skyranger 30 HEL can monitor airspace autonomously, while simultaneously
selecting the optimum effector in response to emerging threats. The Skyranger
30 HEL can protect mobile units on the march or critical stationary
infrastructure and facilities from aerial threats. No matter what the initial
situation, an appropriate response is always readily available, assuring
adherence to legal requirements and the avoidance of collateral damage.
Thanks to its longstanding experience in the field of ground-based air
defence and adherence to a clear technical road map for a future laser weapon
system, Rhein¬metall is able to integrate mechanically and systemically a full
range of advanced capabilities into a wheeled or tracked mobile platforms such
as the Boxer multipurpose wheeled armoured vehicle* or the tracked Lynx KF41
armoured vehicle. Thanks to the highly flexible Skymaster fire control system
and state-of-the-art sensors, the effectors achieve maximum tactical impact.
Rheinmetall’s HEL effectors consist of a laser source and laser guidance
system, both of which are integrated into the vehicle, along with a laser
weapon station built into the turret that simultaneously serves as a platform
for the electro-optical sensors. The laser weapon station tracks targets
automatically, neutralizing them with a laser beam. Thus, the Skyranger 30 HEL
is capable of effectively defending assigned airspace with three different
effectors – an automatic cannon, guided missiles, and a high-energy laser –
with the appropriate level of intensity.
Featuring a rate of fire of 1,200 rounds per minute, the 30mmx173 KCE
revolver gun is the world’s top-performing weapon in this calibre. Programmable
time-delay ammunition enhances the probability of hitting even the smallest
aerial targets. The Skyranger 30 HEL’s guided missiles increase the system’s
operational flexibility and maximum range.
In live trials, current technology sample systems for laser weapon
systems have successfully achieved laser outputs of 20kW. The ability to
increase this figure to 100kW is already an integral feature of this
technology. The laser weapon station used here has its own sensors for
identifying and tracking targets. Subassemblies coordinated by Rheinmetall to
interoperate harmoniously produce the outstanding beam quality of Rheinmetall
laser sources even at high-output levels, meaning that they can be directed at
the target with high precision. The carrier platform’s sophisticated mechanical
design assures 100% coverage of assigned airspace. Laser outputs of up 20-50 kW
are planned for the first realization phase.
Late last year, the Skyranger HEL was presented in public for the first
time at a counter-drone event held by the Swiss procurement agency armasuisse
in Bure, Switzerland, sparking great interest from the experts present at the
event.
Photo courtesy Rheinmetall