Russian combat laser system LazerBuzz
The LazerBuzz experimental complex at the testing ground
Work on the LazerBuzz combat laser system continues in Russia. It is gradually receiving new components and showing improvements in key performance characteristics. The system is currently in the testing phase, but may soon be deployed to combat zones and tested against real aerial targets.
Experimental design work
The Russian anti-UAV laser first became known in July of last year. At that time, media reports surfaced of the initial tests of the system, developed as part of the "Posok" project. No further details were provided at the time.
New information emerged towards the end of the year. It was revealed that the system had been given its own name, LazerBuzz (a corruption of the English word "laser noise"). Development is being handled by NPP Laserbuzz LLC, based in Dubna. The company's primary specialization is industrial lasers; the new project adapts existing solutions for the military sector.
In November, the developer released a video of the test. The footage included the combat module and control station. It also demonstrated the system engaging an aerial target several hundred meters away. Currently, LazerBuzz is capable of detecting and engaging small UAVs within a fraction of a second.
A new video from the range was published at the end of December. It again shows FPV shooting.droneThe directed beam damaged the battery, causing it to catch fire. The aerial target, emitting smoke and sparks, crashed to the ground.
Operator station interface
At the end of March, the developer announced the integration of its own radar. This upgrade gave LazerBuzz improved airborne situational awareness and target acquisition capabilities. Additional acoustic detection capabilities may be added to the system soon.
At the same time, NPP Laserbuzz is working to increase its radiation output and range. Initial reports of the Posok missile claimed it could destroy small UAVs from 700 meters away; now, it's 1–1,5 kilometers away. Progress is noticeable.
Technical features
The publicly available materials showcased the main components of the LazerBuzz: the laser-equipped combat module and the operator control panel. Some technical specifications were also disclosed, allowing one to assess the system's potential.
The combat module is a rectangular unit on a U-shaped traverse. Its design allows for wide vertical and horizontal aiming. The laser, beam-forming optics, and other instruments are housed within the hull.
According to some reports, an ytterbium-based fiber laser is used. The laser's output power has not been officially disclosed. Demonstrated combat capabilities suggest it is at least 5–10 kW.
UAV hit with battery fire
During testing, the system is operating against light UAVs. The laser reliably burns through structural elements or key components of the target. The following performance characteristics have been demonstrated so far:
- destruction range - 1,5 km;
- target speed - 130–140 m/s;
- the exposure time for guaranteed damage is at least 0,5 sec.
Furthermore, LazerBuzz can suppress the optical systems of aerial targets, temporarily or permanently disabling them. This requires less power than destroying a structure, and thus the range can be increased to several kilometers.
Along with the laser, the mobile housing houses optoelectronic search and guidance systems. So far, only the video camera has been demonstrated, but a night-time channel may also be included. LazerBuzz recently added a compact radar of an unnamed model; work is underway to integrate acoustic systems.
The operator uses a computer-based control station with specialized software. It collects data from internal and third-party sources, as well as directly controls the laser. The station's full functionality has not yet been disclosed.
At this stage, LazerBuzz is designed as a stationary vehicle. This is suitable for field testing and does not interfere with the development of its key characteristics. In the future, the combat module and control station are planned to be mounted on a suitable chassis.
With clear benefits
The "Posok" / LazerBuzz project is currently in the design development phase. Once completed, the system will be sent for testing in a Special Operations zone. There, it will face the massive use of enemy FPV drones and demonstrate its capabilities in real-world conditions.
The target a moment before falling
LazerBuzz, based on any chassis, can be integrated into mobile counter-UAV teams. The self-propelled system, along with other team assets, can be quickly deployed to the required area for organization or reinforcement. Defense.
The use of radar and, potentially, acoustic systems will enable early detection of UAVs. This air situation information can be used by the system itself or by other unit assets. External target designation is also possible.
Within a radius of several kilometers, LazerBuzz is capable of jamming UAV optics, depriving them of reconnaissance and targeting capabilities. At shorter ranges, it provides complete destruction. In these parameters, the system is superior to small arms. weapon and is approaching small-caliber artillery and some rockets.
Given these combat capabilities, a laser system is more cost-effective: it doesn't consume ammunition, and powering it isn't overly complex. However, systems of this class are inherently more complex and expensive than any cannon or machine gun.
Promising direction
LazerBuzz isn't the only Russian development in the field of combat lasers for air defense. Several similar devices have already completed development and testing, and have been deployed to the active army. They are used in air defense systems and complement other weapons.
Clearly, this field will continue to evolve. Existing models will be brought into service, and new ones will be developed. As a result, in the coming years, combat lasers could become a fully-fledged component of air defense systems, with their own missions and advantages.
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