Epirus delivered to United States Army Connected the first high-performance microwave system (HPM) with protective ability against indirect fire (IFPC for its acronym in English), designed to combat swarms of enemy drones. A prototype derived from a series of counter electronic devices Leonidasis the first of four the tech company will deliver Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (Rccto)as part of the contract award signed in December 2022.
The technology company made the distribution of the weapon after completion of the acceptance test the US governmentsponsored by the national armed forces, in which the security of the system was verified for personnel and the continuous progression of HPM functions from scientific and technical prototype status to full operational capability.
Leonidas HPM Systems
Leonidas is an anti-electronic system that has the precision necessary to neutralize a single threat in small areas, as well as the power needed to disable multiple threats over a larger area. Directed power gives the operator greater control and safety and dramatically reduces the size and weight of the solution, which can be mounted on a gimbal and deployed on a base or next to a mobile unit.
The products of this series use high-performance microwave technology defined by the company software and solid state, to achieve high efficiency in various environments and use cases. Waveform optimization software combined with shooting tactics increases range without the need for rework Hardware. The low voltage, lack of ionizing radiation and the ability to control safe zones make the Leonidas systems a safe tool for allied personnel and assets.
The solution has an open architecture, so it can be integrated with various command and control systems (C2), As fad C2, used by the US military in C-UAS applications and other forms of air defense. In addition, the design uses the advantages of line-replaceable amplifier modules (LRAM), with an approach that allows new form factors to be developed and updates to be installed in an agile and fast manner.
Also notable is the layered defense capability that is achieved when ground systems work together with mobile and smaller Leonidas Pod solutions that combine their high-performance directed energy. Both systems not only cooperate with each other, but are integrated into a system of systems that includes other air defense equipment, both kinetic and non-kinetic.
The maturation of C-UAS microwave technology
After delivery of an initial prototype to the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, the system will undergo further testing to develop tactics, techniques and procedures for future use. Epirus and Rccto will continue to work together to deliver three additional pieces of equipment during the contract period and support the maturation of this technology and implement the necessary improvements to achieve comprehensive protection against a wide range of UAS threats.
company CEO, Ken Bedingfieldstated that “with the help of Army partners, the Epirus team was able to develop and demonstrate an unprecedented HPM capability in a record time of just nine months. This is no small feat, and the company feels honored to play a leading role in bringing drone swarm defense capability to the United States.