80sGeorge said:

---

This would sure be useful over there. I know we have some drone experts around, any idea if these are being tested live??

https://bcdc.tamus.edu/bush-combat-development-complex-laser-test-site-sep-2023/

---

All three services are close to fielding laser weapons. For example: ARMY

The important thing is that it looks ominous, and Raytheon can charge tens of millions of dollars for these.

Edit to add: these palletized systems are made in McKinney, TX which is kind of cool (the facility off 380 I assume).

https://cuashub.com/content/raytheon-technologies-delivers-drone-killing-laser/

Quote:

---

Having successfully undergone the Air Force's Test and Assessment plan, the palletized laser weapon has proven its capabilities in safeguarding people and valuable assets against short-range airborne threats. The rigorous evaluation process involved a series of live-fire exercises spanning multiple days, during which the weapon effectively detected, targeted, tracked, and neutralized drone targets in various scenarios. These included short-range attacks, swarm attacks, and even long-range threats, showcasing the weapon's versatility and effectiveness in combating a wide range of aerial challenges.

"Anywhere the Air Force sees a threat from drones, they now have four proven laser weapons that can be deployed to stop asymmetrical threats," said Michael Hofle, senior director of High-Energy Lasers at Raytheon Technologies. "Whether it's on a fixed location, a flatbed or even a pickup, these laser weapons are compact, rugged and ready to go. That's why we're proud to support the Air Force's effort to provide this new tech to the personnel who need it in the field, who can trust and be confident in the system's capabilities."

Compact and portable, the laser weapon system is ingeniously designed to fit within the confines of a pickup truck bed. It consists of a high-energy laser weapon module, accompanied by a long-range EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infrared) sensor that serves the dual purpose of functioning as the beam director. This comprehensive system also incorporates essential features such as thermal control, internal electrical power, and targeting software, all thoughtfully integrated to ensure optimal performance in the most demanding combat environments.

Operated through a laptop interface and a video game-style controller, the laser weapon system offers user-friendly controls. Furthermore, it seamlessly integrates with a wide array of existing air defense, command, and control systems. By plugging into these compatible systems, it adds an indispensable layer of defense, providing the necessary capabilities to protect against potential threats.

The palletized laser weapon system was built in the world's first laser weapon factory in McKinney, Texas, and delivered to the Life Cycle Management Center nine months after receipt of order.

---

I could see these being used around airfields.

10thYrSr said:

---

Ag with kids said:

---

80sGeorge said:

---

This would sure be useful over there. I know we have some drone experts around, any idea if these are being tested live??

https://bcdc.tamus.edu/bush-combat-development-complex-laser-test-site-sep-2023/

---

Cool.

I know a number of those folks there. The director is an old Ag (well, older than me). Good guy. We're supposed to do some work with them this year.

---

It melted the back end which may have contained the memory card. But it had no effect on the rotors or the drive unit and control board housed in the internal body of the drone. Correct me if I am wrong.

Hard to see how this tech is disabling drones.

---

Well, having not seen THE INSIDE of the UAS, I can't say how much damage there is internally. But, if it fried the SD card, it probably caused a nice little smoke check of the autopilot, too.

Next time I see them, I'll ask.

Rock1982 said:

---

I'll help.

The laser beam effector is tightly focused (very narrow) and precisely aimed (at the center of the quad-copter UAS).

You can see the effects of just a little laser "spill over" from the center of the quad copter onto the right aft leg of vehicle. It is quite simple to adjust the aim of the laser to a rotor housing.

Their are other counter-UAS technologies out there (kinetic / HPM / etc), but lasers will be an important part of the fight.

---

Our Chief Pilot did a lot of work out at Edwards on C-UAS. He can't talk about most of it, but does say he saw some freaky **** out there.

I'm sure it works. The poster questioning it just doesn't want it to work. There will be lots of anti drone warfare development as a result of this conflict.

Summary of last 7 to 10 days of prep work south of Bakhmut and beyond

The laser in question melts the internals as well. Seen it firsthand, up close. It melts the outer housing and destroys the drone.

VitruvianAg said:

---

Russia, the others would just seek oil from other markets, at normal prices.

---

Not really. There's no way to replace 10% of global crude oil supply with other markets. Oil would have to be whatever price that would cause at least 9-9.5% demand loss (assuming OPEC could quickly ramp up excess supply by 1MM bbls)... Which would be very ****ing high because demand for energy is pretty inelastic in general. The US has basically no excess supply and the capital cycle can only cause an inflection in demand about a year after the capex is in the ground. We definitely would only be able to barely chip into that supply deficit starting about 9 months after.

If you thought 2022 was bad for energy prices, Russian crude disappearing would be a market disrupting event on an order never seen before... And that's still probably underemphasizing just how dramatic it would be.

UK considers conducting training inside Ukraine, arms manufacturers setting up shop in Ukraine, fresh frontline clips and other news.

Today's SITREP.

AgLA06 said:

---

aggiehawg said:

---

Quote:

---

Exactly. One of the reasons the West put a price cap on Russian oil rather than trying to ban it entirely is because anything approaching a complete loss of production would be economically disastrous.

---

For whom? Europe, China, India?

---

I'm not buying it. Most of Europe has had 2 years to solve that problem. My understanding is most of Ukraine's biggest supporters are no longer reliant on Russia at this point.

Hell, an entire content was starving without Uke grain caused by the Russian blockade. That didn't seem to matter.

---

Remove 12% of the World's oil and gas production and prices skyrocket it doesn't matter where they are getting the product from.

bonfarr said:

---

AgLA06 said:

---

aggiehawg said:

---

Quote:

---

Exactly. One of the reasons the West put a price cap on Russian oil rather than trying to ban it entirely is because anything approaching a complete loss of production would be economically disastrous.

---

For whom? Europe, China, India?

---

I'm not buying it. Most of Europe has had 2 years to solve that problem. My understanding is most of Ukraine's biggest supporters are no longer reliant on Russia at this point.

Hell, an entire content was starving without Uke grain caused by the Russian blockade. That didn't seem to matter.

---

Remove 12% of the World's oil and gas production and prices skyrocket it doesn't matter where they are getting the product from.

---

I understand basic economics. We just watched the same thing happen, but with people actually starving because of grain. Not even a blink. Not getting to take a longer vacation isn't in the same ballpark.

bonfarr said:

---

AgLA06 said:

---

aggiehawg said:

---

Quote:

---

Exactly. One of the reasons the West put a price cap on Russian oil rather than trying to ban it entirely is because anything approaching a complete loss of production would be economically disastrous.

---

For whom? Europe, China, India?

---

I'm not buying it. Most of Europe has had 2 years to solve that problem. My understanding is most of Ukraine's biggest supporters are no longer reliant on Russia at this point.

Hell, an entire content was starving without Uke grain caused by the Russian blockade. That didn't seem to matter.

---

Remove 12% of the World's oil and gas production and prices skyrocket it doesn't matter where they are getting the product from.

---

This so much. China's been buying Russian oil on the cheap and leaving the rest of the world's supply alone. Take Russian oil away from the Chinese and they start outbidding for other countries' oil.

AgLA06 said:

---

bonfarr said:

---

AgLA06 said:

---

aggiehawg said:

---

Quote:

---

Exactly. One of the reasons the West put a price cap on Russian oil rather than trying to ban it entirely is because anything approaching a complete loss of production would be economically disastrous.

---

For whom? Europe, China, India?

---

I'm not buying it. Most of Europe has had 2 years to solve that problem. My understanding is most of Ukraine's biggest supporters are no longer reliant on Russia at this point.

Hell, an entire content was starving without Uke grain caused by the Russian blockade. That didn't seem to matter.

---

Remove 12% of the World's oil and gas production and prices skyrocket it doesn't matter where they are getting the product from.

---

I understand basic economics. We just watched the same thing happen, but with people actually starving because of grain. Not even a blink. Not getting to take a longer vacation isn't in the same ballpark.

---

I have no clue what you are trying to say about grain and vacations there. Energy prices impact everything we see and do. If Ukraine took out Russian oil and gas fields I guarantee the pressure on them to end the war will reach high levels and their support will quickly dry up.

74OA said:

---

UK considers conducting training inside Ukraine, arms manufacturers setting up shop in Ukraine, fresh frontline clips and other news.

Today's SITREP.

---

UK really seems to have some big hate for RU

More cobbled together crap from the Russians

23 September 2023

MT-LBVM with A-22 'Ogon' shipborne multiple rocket launcher marked as belonging to Russia's 205th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade, 49th Combined Arms Army, Southern Military District. pic.twitter.com/pe5WsuBE6c

— Naalsio (@naalsio26) September 29, 2023

That crap gets destroyed too:

These cobbled up, mad max tier, MLRS:s didn't survive for long... https://t.co/j8GOldhrb0

— Petri Mäkelä (@1stFinFreecorps) October 1, 2023

Rock1982 said:

---

I'll help.

The laser beam effector is tightly focused (very narrow) and precisely aimed (at the center of the quad-copter UAS).

You can see the effects of just a little laser "spill over" from the center of the quad copter onto the right aft leg of vehicle. It is quite simple to adjust the aim of the laser to a rotor housing.

Their are other counter-UAS technologies out there (kinetic / HPM / etc), but lasers will be an important part of the fight.

---

There are also birds of prey and pigeons which are very effective at downing drones. USA just hasn't accepted some of their sacrifices yet lives would be saved.

More on what Ukraine has done to make its energy grid more resilient for this winter.

POWER

Quote:

---

There are also birds of prey and pigeons which are very effective at downing drones. USA just hasn't accepted some of their sacrifices yet lives would be saved.

---

We'll spend billions on pigeon eradication in urban areas. We'll spend billions on anti-drone technologies. But we won't spend a dime training birds to save our soldiers lives because of "feels".

Some will say "those poor birds". I say "War Damn Eagle"

Miscellaneous notes: UPDATES

One of the softest spots on the underbelly of western militaries, particularly the US, is detecting low, small, and slow UAS. Small quadcopter drones that move at treetop level are very hard to detected during daylight with the naked eye. The frequency of their rotor noise attenuates quickly and the cameras can zoom in for surveillance on targets that cannot hear them. Human vigilance isn't great and at night it almost doesn't matter because they are difficult to see even with night/thermal optics. Radar isn't a great solution for very low altitude drones either especially if one's enemy can put counterfire on a radar.

The best low cost, all weather, day and night sensing technology for low/small/slow drones is acoustic vector sensors. There's some very good technology out there but it has largely been ignored by the US military because it's not sexy and merely locates the threat. However, for small ground units that needs to identify quadcopters that are watching them and perhaps preparing to drop ordnance on them, acoustic vector sensors are probably a valuable tool. It's also very useful for localization of small arms fire and mortars. Pairing these sensors with a slew to cue remote weapon station is a good idea.

agent-maroon said:

---

Quote:

---

There are also birds of prey and pigeons which are very effective at downing drones. USA just hasn't accepted some of their sacrifices yet lives would be saved.

---

We'll spend billions on pigeon eradication in urban areas. We'll spend billions on anti-drone technologies. But we won't spend a dime training birds to save our soldiers lives because of "feels".

Some will say "those poor birds". I say "War Damn Eagle"

---

Yep exactly right. Theres a small group unsavory characters who have some birds ready to deploy to Ukraine right now, but DOD not funding them to date.

Next time I see them I will see about getting some of their test vids which are pretty impressive. Especially minimal time it takes for falcon to detect presence of mini drone to intercept.

I do like the idea of advancing and developing laser based weapon systems. But I had a curious thought for those more informed about how these may work…

What if you painted the drones, missiles etc. with mirror like, reflective paint? Wouldn't that complicate targeting?

"According to a Polish NGO focussing on eastern Ukraine, 5000 packs are needed per month. The number of unreported cases is higher", @der_gerichtshof explained.

So far they've raised money for almost 150 packs.

— arboretum (@andthetreestoo) October 1, 2023

The American volunteer soldier Dalton “Gimli” Medlin from Texas has been killed in battle against the Russian Army.

The info has been confirmed by his brother-in-arms @IhateTrenches

Rest in Peace Hero

🇺🇸🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/4lVMQyWpdo

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 1, 2023

Russian authorities continue to forcibly deport children from occupied #Ukraine to #Russia in order to assimilate Ukrainian children into Russian culture. https://t.co/Lmj8N6rDtP https://t.co/Kx7J9BYDB9 pic.twitter.com/6vd9IeQ4LN

— ISW (@TheStudyofWar) October 1, 2023

Russian authorities will reportedly conscript citizens in occupied #Ukraine who have Russian passports.

The Russian military is reportedly continuing to recruit Cuban citizens to fight in Ukraine, possibly as a part of relatively elite Airborne (VDV) formations.… https://t.co/Kx7J9BYDB9 pic.twitter.com/O8ZaVRPaCG

— ISW (@TheStudyofWar) October 1, 2023

Rollup: https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1708511408495722513.html

This is a very insightful thread about Russian defensive positions in the Robotyne-Novoprokopivka area, Orikhiv sector, Zaporizhzhia front. I translated it to English 👇

1/ https://t.co/jQOOH7ycIr

— Status-6 (@Archer83Able) October 1, 2023

javajaws said:

---

Your captured Russian tank giving you problems? No problem! Just call up Russian tank tech support

https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/10/01/a-ukrainian-officers-captured-russian-tank-wasnt-working-so-he-called-tech-support-in-russia/?sh=6f6280b513a8

---

That's awesome.

Quote:

---

Russia constructing a new highway from Rostov to Mariupol

---

https://liveuamap.com/en/2023/2-october-russian-constructing-a-new-highway-from-rostov

Interesting. I doubt there's enough overpressure to detonate the more distant mines. Vibration from the explosion, perhaps?

This video shows the extreme accuracy of Russian aviation (nice job missing literally the entire town) and also sympathetic detonations in a minefield caused by a 500kg bomb. The bomb destroyed a lot of mines. pic.twitter.com/cSgbO4RaY1

— Andrew Perpetua (@AndrewPerpetua) October 2, 2023

FAE/vacuum bombs (GBU43/B) can have a 400+ yard blast radius so they could cause lot of mines to detonate. But that would sure be an expensive way to clear mines, also most are dumb bombs and with both sides have decent air defense systems that would be..well dumb. Have to fly almost right over your target and at a cost of $16 million each that is an expensive target in the sky