TWZ: The MQ-20 Avenger drone is equipped with a turret featuring laser weaponry.
The American corporation General Atomics showcased a concept of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with laser weaponry. This was reported by the publication TWZ.
An image of the MQ-20 Avenger drone was presented at the annual meeting of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA). The UAV features a rotating nose turret that fires a laser beam. It appears to be a computer-generated image, although it may have been created based on real photographs.
TWZ specialists noted that laser weapons theoretically provide high-precision strikes against various types of targets in both offensive and defensive situations. They have an unlimited lifespan, provided there is sufficient power and cooling capability. Additionally, this type of weapon is silent, and its beams are invisible to the naked eye.
Moreover, a turret equipped with a combination of electro-optical and infrared cameras, as well as laser rangefinders and target designators, was observed on the nose of the MQ-20 Avenger.
According to General Atomics representative Mark Brinkley, the corporation indeed possesses the technology to equip drones with laser weapons. "This exhibition was intended to demonstrate that we continue to lead in the research and development of both combat laser systems and UAVs," he concluded.
