The United States Air Force has purchased a counter-UAS radar system from Black Sage that will provide precise targeting data for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Tactical High Power Microwave Operational Responder (THOR) system.
In order to provide the precise targeting data required by the THOR system, Black Sage used its DefenseOS software to receive and process data from the CUAS radars and export the data to the US military’s Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2). During a successful evaluation, the integrated CUAS radar system, FAAD C2 and THOR weapon targeted and defeated drones.
“We are pleased to announce the Air Force purchased a CUAS radar system from Black Sage to integrate with AFRL’s THOR weapon,” said Trent Morrow, Black Sage’s Chief Strategy Officer. “This is another step forward in Black Sage’s relationship with the Air Force.”
Black Sage says it has facilitated the integration of over 30 CUAS sensors and effectors since the company’s founding in 2014.
THOR is a counter-swarm electromagnetic weapon developed by AFRL for defense of airbases. The system provides non-kinetic defeat of multiple targets. It operates from a wall plug and uses energy to disable drones. The system uses High Power Microwaves (HPM) to cause a counter electronic effect. Targets are identified, the silent weapon discharges in a nanosecond, and the impact is instantaneous.
THOR is currently being tested as part of AFRL’s 12-month field assessment that will also evaluate the Raytheon High Energy Laser (HELWS) and the Raytheon High Power Microwave (PHASER).
