The US-based anti-drone firm Epirus has introduced a novel high-energy, high-power microwave (HPM) device named Leonidas H2O.
The weaponry system has the intriguing capability to zap boat engines, unmanned surface vessels (USV), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) all at once with a single microwaved pulse.
Epirus states that the system utilizes the scalable Leonidas energy-based, high-power microwave technological framework.
High-power microwave weapon
During the US Navy’s testing for the Advanced Naval Technology Exercise Coastal Trident (ANTX-CT) program, the Leonidas H2O demonstrated effective performance against vessel engines from previously unbroken distances.
Epirus mentioned that the system underwent testing with four different commercial boat engines, which ranged between 40 and 90 horsepower, across various distances.
The Leonidas H2O prototype performed successfully against all four targets at operationally relevant distances, even with range restrictions requiring tests to be conducted at about half of its maximum possible performance level. power "with only a few waveform options," the company further noted.
The live fire demonstration was organized by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme’s Office of Technology.
Andy Lowery, the CEO of Epirus, stated, "For many years, the Department of Defense has invested extensive resources and millions of dollars into researching and developing a non-lethal method for stopping vessels, but as yet, they have not fielded an operational system."
"Leonidas H2O introduces a tested and effective technology to address this capability gap right now," Lowery stated additionally.
As per Epirus, Leonidas H2O leverages The firm's high-energy HPM technology platform, which is solid-state and software-defined, offers unparalleled electronic warfare capabilities.
Tested and confirmed as a scalable anti-drone system, all versions of Leonidas feature an open design, limitless ammunition supply, and verified capabilities for neutralizing different electronic threats through non-physical means.
Epirus HPM systems
The Epirus High Power Microwave (HPM) technology releases non-ionizing radiation, which guarantees that Leonidas systems remain safe concerning ammunition, fuel, and staff as long as they are appropriately handled.
A representative from Epirus recently informed IE that Leonidas systems can neutralize any number of Group 1-2 UAS that come into its protective zone.
"Epirus HPM has the capability to simultaneously neutralize various sets of targets continually. To put it plainly, we can take down multiple drones all at once, along with several swarms throughout the course of engagement," the spokesperson stated additionally.
"Epirus' 'solid-state Line Replaceable Amplifier Module architecture (LRAMs)' act as the fundamental components of all their High-Power Microwave (HPM) systems," the spokesperson stated.
The LRAM architecture reduces the risk of a 'single point of failure,' which is a typical issue with vacuum-tube-based systems, by allowing for gradual degradation to sustain operational efficiency.
The LRAM further enables unmatched scalability for Epirus HPM systems. The architectural design of LRAM provides unparalleled flexibility to accommodate customer-defined configurations.
Epirus' involvement in these trials aids in getting an early look at cutting-edge technologies crucial for supporting the Navy's objectives. It also offers significant resources to the project team, aiding them in their technical growth and evaluation, said Brendan Applegate serves as the principal investigator for the US Navy ANTX-Coastal Trident program.
This firm specializes in technological solutions aimed at tackling the uneven threats associated with the evolving landscape of national security.
Epirus' main innovation, called Leonidas, is a software-controlled system designed for delivering intense microwaves with high energy and power. This technology utilizes smart power management strategies enabling systems that typically require substantial power to operate efficiently with reduced consumption.