The Vampire Counterattack
The US Army has secured a deal with L3Harris for their Vampire counter-drone system, designed to combat the relentless threat posed by hostile aerial units. With drones becoming as bothersome as seagulls eyeing your fries, the Army has allocated up to $106 million. This investment is part of a multilayered defense strategy against those audacious flying machines, whether they are remotely controlled or fully autonomous.
A Comprehensive Power Unit
The Vampire system, as characterized by L3Harris, is an entirely self-sufficient powerhouse. It provides precise attacks on drones and remotely operated aircraft. You can mount it on your vehicle, similar to placing it on the back of a pickup truck, and it includes a telescopic mast coupled with an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) stabilized targeting apparatus. Additionally, there’s a launcher for what the military refers to as effectors – essentially, anything that can go boom.
Cutting-Edge Precision Kill
The Vampire frequently features the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) – those clever Hydra 70 rockets with laser guidance. It has become the budget-friendly favorite for taking down drones, and the UK is even equipping their Typhoons with it in the Middle East. But that’s not all! L3Harris states that Vampire has a modular plug-in configuration for integrating other sensors, effectors, and radio systems faster than you can order a Friday night curry.
Six Kilometers of Chaos
This piece of equipment can eliminate aerial targets from a distance of six kilometers (3.8 miles). Its laser designator can pinpoint targets and cooperate smoothly with other platforms, facilitating a well-coordinated drone elimination operation. Tom Kirkland, L3Harris’ top executive for Targeting & Sensor Systems, believes, “Vampire addresses drone threats effectively, enabling US forces to protect both their personnel and equipment.”
Investing in the Future
We inquired with L3Harris about the value the Army is securing with that $106 million. The word is, they developed Vampire in response to the onset of conflict in Ukraine, as a cost-effective way to counter Russian drones. Production has ramped up in Huntsville, Alabama, to satisfy the escalating demand from the US and its allies to manage the drone situation. Since 2023, the system has logged over 350,000 operational hours supporting combat operations in Europe.
Conclusion
When Drones Face the Vampire Treatment – The US Army has fully committed to the Vampire system to keep those troublesome drones in check. Here’s hoping this device performs more dependably than a GPS in your father’s vintage car!
