What Makes Microwave the Future of Anti-Drone Systems

Microwaves, with their ability to precisely target and disrupt the electronic systems of drones, offer a non-kinetic solution that minimizes collateral damage and risks to human life.

Their capacity to engage multiple targets simultaneously and at a significant range enhances their tactical utility in a variety of scenarios.
Additionally, the rapid advancements in microwave technology, including improvements in power efficiency and miniaturization, suggest a future where such systems can be more portable, versatile, and integrated into a broader range of platforms.

Developed by Epirus Technologies, the Leonidas counter-drone system is a groundbreaking solution in the field of drone defense. It utilizes high-power microwave (HPM) technology to disable drones effectively. TThe system's design is compact and lightweight, facilitating deployment on various platforms, including vehicles and fixed installations.

Safety and collateral damage mitigation are vital aspects of the Leonidas system. Unlike kinetic countermeasures, such as missiles or lasers, Leonidas operates in a way that minimizes harm to humans and other electronic equipment. Its precision targeting ensures that only the intended drone is affected, aligning with ethical principles in modern warfare.

The Tactical High-power Operational Responder (THOR), developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory, is another significant player in the realm of counter-drone systems. Like Leonidas, THOR uses high-power microwaves to disable drones, but with some distinct technical specifications.
THOR operates in the same X-band frequency range as Leonidas (8-12 GHz) and boasts a power output of 100 kW, scalable up to 150 kW. This scalability enhances THOR's effectiveness against a broader range of drones, from small quadcopters to larger fixed-wing models. THOR's operational range matches that of Leonidas, covering up to 3.1 miles (5 kilometers), providing comprehensive protection against drone threats.
A key feature of THOR is its counter-drone capacity, which enables it to disable multiple drones simultaneously. This capability is essential in situations where swift and decisive action is required against numerous aerial threats. THOR's design is compact and transportable, requiring minimal setup time, which adds to its tactical advantages in various scenarios.

[Interestingengineeringofficial]

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[FlorianMaeder]

I'd love to see the sources of these videos. It sounds like it was directly lifted from some marketing material.

[mateusb]

5km of range is so fucking good. You could place a device like this in the frontline and say good bye to any kamikaze drone

[paouvous]

The name Leonidas is articulated in the way Greeks say it, which I guess is the "right" way. This is a really nice touch and attention to detail. Contrast it to the 300 movie articulation of the name.

[digimaks]

Suuuure, always optimistic videos that trying to make it sound like its the new invincible wunderwaffe.
1) showing vidoe sof drones being downed at 100 Ft range, while claiming it as effective at 5 KM range. of course... Using it on frontlines is impossible, since 5 km is nothing even to tank guns and artillery.
2) they can't operate 24/7, they are very power-intesive.
3) their huge microwave footprint will be visible on any radar.
4) their microwave activity will cause cancer and neurological damage to all personel near it. (previously known cases)

[AlabamaMothman]

Isnt that just going to draw anti-radiation attacks.

[adamc]

I missed the word ‘anti’ and icl my first thought was drones with microwaves 🤔 maybe Ubereats will start use this and I can finally get a McDonald’s delivered hot for once 😂😂

[RoboArc]

Lol microwaves can be shielded by aluminum foil that's slightly charged 😂 ffs

[puggynator]

How the f could ammo costs surpass the cost of a 10 Million Dollar Tank?...

[vonilao]

i dont like AMERICAN STYLE, , published the theory, but THE ACTUAL IS 5 YEARS AWAY

[-yv]

Must attack in different angles and directions. That's it

[davidchoi]

Outdoor birds BBQ.
Poor wild living creatures, birds.

[hisredrighthand]

Pretty dumb to show Skynex, the first ever system of which has been deployed just weeks ago, when talking about about traditional systems and the countermeasure being more expensive than the drone - when one $500 Skynex shell can destroy a dozen drones - as seen in the very shot taken from above, by propelling a cone of tiny tungsten balls into the target area.

I also wonder why the developer chose not to show exactly what everyone wants to see - the system downing even a single drone. Probably because it takes several seconds to have an effect, like the Skyranger's underpowered HEL, especially at longer distances.

Also fail to see how this is so much less dangerous. Say it's used in a non-combat setting, like protecting the World Cup, and a private plane passes through the ray somewhere behind the drone, causing even a minor malfunction.

[Sombody]

Ok, now send them to Ukraine for "extensive field testing".

[JelvinIvanzfanny]

then anti jammer drone will be invented...human is so advanced in adaptation..

[PlayboiCarti-nynz]

if you guys had a woman narrating you’d get more views btw

[awraabbi-rhqm]

Is there any reference in this videos?

[TrangleC]

All it takes is a Faraday Cage to block those waves. Seems like a minor and cheap modification to drones. Some chicken fence wrapped around the motors and mother board would probably do it.

[timgannon]

Outrageous this could harm some birds 😮

[johnmoser]

Crap ... never heard of faraday cage ?!