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Anduril announces Roadrunner, jet-powered VTOL drone

(www.anduril.com)
186 points drak0n1c | 1 comments | 01 Dec 23 05:04 UTC | HN request time: 0.353s | source
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rootcage ◴[01 Dec 23 05:40 UTC] No.38483558[source]▶
ATM the biggest problem for LRAD is cost, you fire a $12K Patriot missile to intercept what is either a $40 million jet or a $300 drone. This is revolutionary.
replies(5): >>38483573 #>>38483585 #>>38483588 #>>38483589 #>>38483595 #
ompaLompa ◴[01 Dec 23 05:45 UTC] No.38483588[source]▶
A single patriot missile is estimated to cost $4 million USD

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/patriot-missile-ukraine-explain...

replies(2): >>38483614 #>>38483619 #
slt2021 ◴[01 Dec 23 05:51 UTC] No.38483614[source]▶
Directed energy (laser) will solve this issue, so that Patriots are only engaged for expensive planes, while lasers will destroy drones and cheap ballistic rockets
replies(2): >>38483634 #>>38483638 #
1. dralley ◴[01 Dec 23 05:55 UTC] No.38483638[source]▶
No, lasers will not be a sufficient defense against ballistic missiles. Lasers require time to burn through the target. With ballistic missiles, they're facing a target traveling 5+ times the speed of sound (ie. little time), that also has heat shielding on the bit that's facing the target. Not to mention adverse weather conditions. And missiles w

Lasers will, however, be very effective at SHORAD, especially against cheap drones, rockets, artillery shells and cruise missiles, in the proper conditions. Iron Beam is projected to cost $0.50-$1.00 in electricity per shot, compared to a $50-60k Iron Dome interceptor missile (which is already insanely cheap for what it is).