Astro Mechanica Unveils UAS Concept For Airborne Laser Revival

NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland—U.S. startup Astro Mechanica has unveiled a concept for a large new uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) to host a high-energy laser and other nonkinetic effects, leveraging its proposed hybrid-electric propulsion system.

The concept proposes to host a directed energy system or jammer aboard a 25,000-lb.-class aircraft designed like a conventional, tube-and-wing airliner, but with several special features.

The propulsion system would feature Astro Mechancia’s unique technology. A kerosene-fueled turboshaft engine embedded in the fuselage would drive generators producing up to 4 megawatts of electric power, which would be partly distributed to a pair of thrust-producing propulsors contained in separate pods stationed under each wing.

But an energy surplus of about 750 kW could be used to feed a 250-300-kW class high-energy laser, high-power microwave or jammer. Cooling air siphoned from the propulsors would be used to reject up to around 500 kW of waste heat, Andrew Van Timmeran, senior vice president of Astro Mechanica, told Aviation Week

The concept, unveiled at the Air Force Association’s Air, Space and Cyber conference here, comes only weeks after the U.S. Army launched production of the ground-based AeroVironment Locust X3, a high-energy laser developed to shoot down cruise missiles, drones and one-way attack munitions.

As directed energy moves from demonstrations into production, the Astro Mechanica concept seeks to revive prospects for airborne lasers. It also features a set of technology developments, including the propulsion system, airframe and autonomy system.

Astro Mechanica plans to source the directed energy system from an existing supplier, Van Timmeran said. The company has signed letters of intent with multiple laser weapon system suppliers, he added.