At the recent Association of the US Army (AUSA) event Leonardo DRS displayed the culmination of its company funded accelerated eight-month development of a Stryker variant optimized for counter drone defence.
The technology demonstrator, referred to as the C-UAS DE (Directed Energy) Stryker, integrates sensors and multiple weapon systems to detect, track, engage and neutralize or destroy Group 1, 2 and Group 3 unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The system employs the RPS92 nMHR (next generation Multi-Mission Hemispherical AESA radar from RADA Technologies, a DRS company, mounted on the corners of the vehicle to provide 360-degree surveillance. These are coupled with an electro-optic tracking and target acquisition sensor system for threat identification and targeting.
For engagement both kinetic (hard) kill and non-kinetic (soft) kill capabilities are provided. The former consists of the EOS Defense Systems R400 stabilized remote weapon station with the Northrop-Grumman XM914 30mm Chain Gun capable of firing XM1211 proximity fused ammunition. The mount also includes a M240 7.72 mm machinegun which in the R400 Steve Below, Vice President Operations, indicated has demonstrated its own ability to down small drones. It is al fir with the Arnold Defense four launcher for the laser guided BAE 2.75mm Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System.
The key innovation in the Leonardo DRS C-UAS Stryker is in its non-kinetic kill capabilities. These include BlueHalo’s Titan C-UAS™ electronic warfare suite and Titan-SV a radiofrequency sensor to detect and track hostile drones. It also mounts BlueHalo’s 26-kilowatt LOCUST Laser Weapon System (LWS). The LWS uses rotating mount that retracts into the vehicle when not deployed. It combines enhanced software and processing that demonstrated not only its ability to successfully defeat drones using directed energy in a two-day live fire demonstration in September earlier this year at White Sands Missile Range.
Ed House, Senior Director Business Development at Leonardo DRS, indicated that the demonstrator was to be transferred to the US Army for further evaluation. Further, in addition to the Stryker the C-UAS suite is being considered for integration on other platforms particularly ones suitable for operating with the heavy brigades. He further shared that the objective of the effort was demonstrating a Counter UAS capability that has the mobility and survivability to operate on the current and future battlefield with Army manoeuvre forces. These goals were successfully achieved.
The C-UAS DE (Directed Energy) Stryker offers a combination of detection and effector technologies which address not only the primary aerial drone threats but offers an inherent ability to defend itself, when necessary, against other threats. In addition, its mobility means it can both accompany the force it is supporting and rapidly displace to assure its survival. It, thus, is suited for forward tactical deployment as an element of a layered defence.
Exactly where this C-UAS system will fit into the organizational structure and how it will be tactically employed will likely be considerations for Army planners but are yet to be determined.
by Stephen W. Miller
