MBDA company has completed the testing of MILOS-D ground laser systems (Modular Integrated Laser Optical System). The 1.5 kW version can be carried by one soldier. It will be lifted by two or three people with a power of 5 kW, and can also be installed on an unmanned platform. The 20 kW version is designed for installation on equipment, while the more powerful 60 kW model is installed on cars.

During tests at the test site in Meppen, a compact version with a laser emitter with a power of 3 kW was used, made specifically at the request of the military. This weapon can hit static targets at a distance of 20 to 420 meters, especially cutting through metal fences and door hinges with surgical precision.

The company’s MILOS-D prototype consists of several components, the most important of which is the main telescope lens that transmits the laser beam. There is a plug on the back to which the optical fiber of a powerful laser is connected. The 3 kW power supply and batteries are housed in two separate housings. A view camera whose grating is mounted above the viewing tube and adjusted along the parallax of the telescope axis.

There is no need for tracking systems as MILOS-D is designed to attack stationary objects, which makes portable models possible to be lighter and more compact. At the bottom of the telescope is an array of sensors, including day and thermal imaging lenses and a laser rangefinder, that help focus the beam accurately on the target.

You can control the system using a touch tablet with a special interface. The operator sees the aiming camera image on the screen, can direct and focus the beam by turning the head, as well as switch between modes.

The mass of a laser source is 25 kg, but MBDA is currently working with another supplier to supply an 8 kg laser module with the same output power of 3 kW. Engineers are also discussing replacing other elements. Source