General Dynamics Teams With Epirus For Vehicle Integration Of Microwave Anti-Drone System
General Dynamics Land Systems has entered a strategic teaming agreement with Epirus Inc., developers of microwave counter-unmanned aerial systems technology. The agreement will see the two companies collaborate to integrate Epirus’ flagship Leonidas directed energy system on the Stryker and other manned and unmanned ground combat vehicles to accomplish short-range air defense (SHORAD) missions.
The Leonidas directed energy system utilizes high power microwaves to disrupt or destroy unmanned aerial systems, and is capable of both precisely engaging a single target or disabling multiple swarming threats across a wide area. Epirus says that Leonidas’ use of gallium nitride semiconductors and its proprietary SmartPower power management system allows for “unmatched” counter-electronics capability in a significantly smaller and less power-demanding package than competing systems, while also being safer for the end user.
According to the companies, the integration of Leonidas on Stryker also demonstrates the system’s flexible application programming interface (API), as well as its ability to integrate with existing ground-based, airborne and maritime systems for cross-domain use.
“General Dynamics Land Systems continues to evolve the Army’s largest and most reliable ground combat vehicle fleet with next-generation innovation and high-tech solutions,” said Danny Deep, President of General Dynamics Land Systems. “This partnership with Epirus benefits the Army’s Stryker mobile SHORAD formations by offering cutting-edge, counter-electronics and counter-swarm capabilities.”
Leigh Madden, Epirus Chief Executive Officer, said of the agreement:.
“Having the support of one of the largest, most innovative and technologically advanced defense contractors further deepens our industry credibility and the market appeal for Epirus’ directed energy product portfolio. With Leonidas integrated into GD’s combat vehicle fleet, we are unlocking new SHORAD and counter-electronics capabilities to equip our warfighters with combat effective systems that dismantle the threats of today and tomorrow. I look forward to continuing our partnership with our General Dynamics Land Systems colleagues and know that, together, we can deliver on our customers’ mission needs.”