Skyranger 30 HEL: mobile threat-appropriate air defense

Laser on board: The Skyranger 30 HEL is Rheinmetall's new hybrid solution to be able to respond to all airborne threats in the future. The modular combination of a 30mm gun, missiles, and high-energy laser (HEL) results in a mix of effectors that is unique in this configuration. With an appropriate mix of sensors, the Skyranger 30 HEL is able to autonomously monitor the airspace and prepare for the targeted use of the best effectors. With the Skyranger 30 HEL, mobile units on the move or important facilities can be successfully protected from current aerial threats. Depending on the situation, there is always an adequate means ready to comply with legal requirements and prevent collateral damage.

Thanks to its long-standing expertise in the field of terrestrial air defense and a clear technical roadmap for a future laser weapon system, Rheinmetall is able to integrate all skills and capabilities on a mobile wheeled or tracked vehicle platform such as the Armored Transport Vehicle Boxer or the Lynx KF41 tracked vehicle mechanically and systemically. Thanks to the highly flexible Skymaster command and control system and state-of-the-art sensor technology, the effectors can deliver their maximum performance.

Rheinmetall's HEL effector consists of the laser source and the beam guidance system, both of which are integrated into the vehicle, as well as the laser weapon station, which is mounted in the turret and also serves as a carrier for the electro-optical sensors. The laser weapon station is able to automatically track air targets and neutralize them with a laser beam. Thus, the Skyranger 30 HEL can effectively defend the airspace with three effectors – gun, missiles, and high-energy laser – in a suitable intensity.

The 30mmx173 KCE revolver cannon is the most powerful weapon in this caliber worldwide with a rate of fire of 1200 rounds/min. Temperature-controlled ammunition increases the probability of hitting the smallest air targets. The additionally carried missiles give the Skyranger 30 HEL advantages in terms of flexibility and range.

The current technology prototypes for laser weapon systems have already successfully demonstrated laser powers of 20kW in tests. The technology for an increase to up to 100kW is already an integral part. The deployed laser weapon station has its own sensor system to identify and track targets. The components coordinated by Rheinmetall enable the excellent beam quality of the Rheinmetall laser source to be precisely aimed at the target even at high power. Thanks to the sophisticated mechanics, the airspace around the carrier platform can be covered 100%. Laser powers of 20-50 kW are envisaged in an initial realization phase.

The functional demonstrator Skyranger HEL was presented to the public for the first time during the drone defense event organized by the Swiss procurement authority armasuisse in Bure at the end of 2021 and generated great interest among the experts present.

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