The Turkish defense corporation Aselsan has successfully tested its advanced missile defense system, the Yildirim-100 (Molniya-100). The purpose of the exercises is to confirm the system's ability to neutralize the deadly threat posed by modern infrared—guided missiles, such as man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). And, according to the manufacturer, the targets were successfully hit, and the effectiveness of the system was proven.
The situation on the battlefield has changed: cheap and affordable MANPADS have made flying transport planes, helicopters and UAVs extremely dangerous. One hit and the car is lost. Traditional methods of protection, such as infrared flashes (heat traps), no longer always work against smart missiles of the new generation. They are being replaced by directional systems, and the Yildirim—100 is just one of these advanced responses.
This is a direct infrared counteraction system (DIRCM) operating in a fully automatic mode. As soon as the onboard sensors (UV or IR) detect the launch of the rocket, the Yildirim-100 instantly comes into action. Its 360-degree rotating turret is equipped with two modules: a sensor for fast target tracking and a high-power laser emitter. The system autonomously identifies the missile, aims at it and releases a precise laser beam that disables the missile's homing head. As a result, the rocket "goes blind" and goes off course without reaching its target.
The key advantages of the Yildirim-100 are low power consumption, compactness, low weight and ease of maintenance. Thanks to its open architecture interface, it integrates seamlessly with existing NATO warning systems, making it ideal for installation on both new and old models of aircraft and helicopters.
Aselsan emphasizes that the Yildirim-100 is fully ready for combat use. Meanwhile, other countries, including the United States, are actively developing directed energy weapon technologies: recently, the US Army tested a 50 kilowatt DE M-SHORAD laser system mounted on a Stryker armored vehicle, which confirms the global trend towards switching from kinetic weapons to lasers.
No comments:
Post a Comment