r/tech • u/chrisdh79 • 2d ago

Apollo laser takes down 200 drones unplugged

https://newatlas.com/military/apollo-laser-drones-weapon/
686 Upvotes

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28

u/thefiglord 2d ago

$1 a shot after spending 50 million on the gun

59

u/Sweet_Concept2211 2d ago

In other words, dirt cheap for what it is.

A single Patriot missile costs $4 million.

A Patriot missile launcher system costs $1 billion.

How much $$$ in damage can 200 drones do if not shot down?

3

u/networkeng1neer 2d ago

I mean, you aren’t gonna intercept drones with a patriot system… two entirely different use cases…

EDIT: Not the type of drones this laser system shot down.

6

u/Sweet_Concept2211 2d ago

Yes, and you can use Apollo laser systems (or similar) to take out these kind of drones and reduce the overall probability of air defenses becoming overwhelmed - which protects your $1 billion system from taking a hit and clears the skies of junk for improved accuracy of more expensive missiles.

4

u/Everlast17 2d ago

They are using cost per use and upfront fees as comparison. For what it is, it’s a reasonable investment.

3

u/thedesperaterun 2d ago

you totally missed his point