SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a groundbreaking announcement, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has revealed its plans to develop and demonstrate a 300kW “Surya” Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) by 2027, marking a significant step forward in India’s pursuit of next-generation defence technologies.
The proposed system, designed to harness high-energy lasers for military applications, promises to deliver precision, speed, and scalability, positioning India among a select group of nations investing in directed energy solutions. With a modular configuration and cutting-edge technologies, the Surya DEW aims to counter a range of threats at ranges up to 20 kilometres, offering a glimpse into the future of warfare.
The 300 kW power output serves as the foundational module, with plans for scalability through medium combination techniques to achieve megawatt-class outputs in future iterations. This modular approach ensures that the Surya DEW can evolve to meet emerging threats and operational requirements over time.
Major Technologies Powering the Surya DEW
The development of the Surya DEW relies on a suite of advanced technologies, many of which are being indigenously developed or adapted by DRDO to ensure self-reliance and operational security. The key technologies include:
- Centrifugal Bubble SOG (Spin-On-Glass): This technology facilitates the generation of high-quality laser beams by stabilizing the optical medium, ensuring consistent performance under varying environmental conditions.
- High Gain Supersonic Nozzle Sealed Exhaust Control: This system enhances the efficiency of the laser by managing exhaust gases at supersonic speeds, minimizing energy loss and ensuring a stable output.
- Long-Range Target Acquisition: Advanced sensors and tracking systems enable the Surya DEW to detect and lock onto targets at ranges up to 20 km, providing real-time situational awareness for precise engagements.
- Large Aperture Beam Director: With a 60 cm output aperture, the beam director ensures that the laser can maintain its focus and intensity over long distances, critical for achieving the desired range and lethality.
- Adaptive Control System: This system dynamically adjusts the beam’s parameters to compensate for atmospheric distortions, such as turbulence or thermal blooming, ensuring optimal performance in diverse conditions.
- Beam Control System (BCS): The BCS integrates all subsystems, managing beam alignment, tracking, and energy delivery to maximize accuracy and effectiveness against moving or multiple targets.
These technologies collectively position the Surya DEW as a versatile and future-ready system, capable of addressing a wide spectrum of threats with unparalleled precision and speed.
The Surya DEW, as outlined by DRDO, is a ground-transportable system with an impressive array of specifications tailored for operational versatility and effectiveness. The proposed system configuration includes the following key parameters:
- Power: 300 kW, Continuous Wave (CW) operation, providing a sustained energy output capable of engaging targets with high precision.
- Optical Quality (MQ): Less than 2, ensuring a tightly focused beam for maximum energy delivery over long distances.
- Output Aperture: 60 cm, allowing for a large beam director to achieve the desired range and accuracy.
- Expected Range: Up to 20 km, enabling the system to engage targets at standoff distances, including drones, missiles, and potentially aircraft.
- Configuration: The system will be ground-transportable, mounted on two 8×8 vehicles with a separate control vehicle for command and coordination.
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