American defense technology company L3Harris demonstrated a robotic, mobile, short-range air defense capability at Project Convergence Capstone 4 earlier this year.
The unnamed system is being developed for today’s needs and is designed to be adaptable for future threats.
The demonstration included seamless integration with “advanced long-range surveillance and electronic attack capabilities onto a fully autonomous combat vehicle, enhancing ground-based air defense with beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations,” L3Harris explained.
Adaptable Design
The BLOS technology was integrated to an additional platform for the event, demonstrating adaptability to emerging demands.
“Our team’s relentless drive to adapt and innovate is what ultimately drove our success with these prototypes,” L3Harris president of Airborne Combat Systems Jennifer Lewis said.
“Thanks to their tireless efforts, we’re coming away with valuable insights that will drive further improvements, strategic decisions, and ultimately, powerful new capabilities to the warfighter.”
On-the-Move Counter-Air Threats
During field trials, the system demonstrated counter-unmanned aircraft system surveillance and electronic warfare from a distance of 26 kilometers (16 miles).
An autonomous multi-sensor cross-cueing payload provided the system with early warning of air threats to achieve the task.
It also demonstrated on-the-move capturing of optical data at BLOS ranges.
Subsystems Tested
The demonstration tested a range of subsystems, including the WESCAM MX-10D reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition multi-sensor imaging and designator.
Additionally, communication was provided by the RASOR modular communications chassis, Mobile ad hoc network WRAITH, a SATCOM on-the-move antenna, the AN/PRC-158 next-gen radio, an RF-7850W high-capacity line of sight radio, and a hardened third-party commercial space internet satellite.
