Ministry of Defence Unveils Successful Tests of DragonFire Laser Technology UK Reveals Cutting-Edge DragonFire Laser Weapon in Recent Video Release

The Latest Advancements in Laser Weapon Technology from the UK

The DragonFire laser weapon, a highly advanced piece of military technology, was recently unveiled after years of development and a budget of £100 million ($127 million).

Previously kept secret as a classified project, this 50-kW class laser has now been revealed to the world, showcasing its impressive capabilities.

The laser is composed of bundles of doped glass fibers that produce a powerful beam, made even more potent by a unique beam-combining system designed by British engineers. It is mounted on a turret and equipped with a secondary laser and an electro-optical camera, enabling it to acquire and correct its target with precision.

The recently released video from the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) gives viewers a glimpse into the design and capabilities of DragonFire. It features footage of the laser's target acquisition and designation technology, as well as successful tests against stationary and live targets at the British Army's Hebrides Range in Scotland.

In addition to the video, the MoD also shared animations of DragonFire in action on a warship, demonstrating its ability to disable a boat, blind a drone, and even shoot down a second drone. The MoD also released an image of a mortar round that was completely burned through by DragonFire.

However, despite its successful testing, DragonFire will not be integrated into the Royal Navy or British Army's standard arsenal. Its primary purpose is to serve as a technology demonstrator, providing valuable data for the development of a larger and more advanced second-generation laser weapon. This next-generation weapon will not only focus on advancing the basic technology, but also prioritize the use of British-made components over foreign imports.

The practical advantages of a laser weapon are numerous. It has the ability to strike a target the size of a one-pound coin from a kilometer away with a shot that travels at the speed of light. Additionally, the use of lasers can significantly reduce costs compared to traditional defensive missiles, with each shot costing only £10 ($13) in hardware expenses and no limit on ammunition as long as there is a reliable power source.

David Lamy
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David Lamy owns the Bachelor in Atmospheric Science Degree. He is associated with Industry News USA from last 2 years. With proficiency in his work, David obtained a strong position at Industry News USA and heads the Science section. “Weather forecasting” is the field of his interest. He bags total 5 years of experience in this field. Apart from his routine work, David loves to explore his cooking skills. He has participated in various cookery shows.