Leonardo is a thought leader in the industry and values continuous innovation and progress. Leonardo has shared their findings and innovations in whitepapers, blogs, and articles this year as a key innovator and trusted authority in laser and sensor technologies.
Take a look at our latest thought leadership pieces and industry breakthroughs that you may have missed this year:
- As a leader in the laser defense industry, Leonardo leverages its expertise in delivering rugged, high-performance, and low SWaP-C (Size, Weight, and Power-Cost) solutions, recognizing the critical role of High-energy laser technology in advancing defense capabilities across land, sea, air, and space platforms.
- The size and weight of a fiber laser source, primarily influenced by the pump diodes and cooling system, can be reduced using a bar-based approach, which enables a more compact heat sink; this paper presents the development of a bar-based fiber-coupled diode source achieving over 500 W of power with 49% efficiency, wavelength-locked at 976 nm, from a 231 μm core 0.22 NA fiber.
- Successful integration of its Osprey radar system into the US Navy's new unmanned helicopter, showcasing its multi-domain AESA surveillance capabilities that excel in maritime performance, land mapping, ground object detection, and air-to-air surveillance, while its compact, lightweight design ensures seamless integration across diverse platforms.
- BriteCloud 55-T continued with planned technical roadmap updates in 2024.
- Top Aces Corp., the only commercial operator of F-16 aircraft for advanced adversary air (ADAIR) training, has integrated Leonardo’s cutting-edge Skyward infrared search and track (IRST) technology into its F-16 Advanced Aggressor Fighter (AAF) platform, enhancing early target detection, extended range engagement, and air-to-air combat training for U.S. Air Force 5th-generation fighter pilots.
- Leonardo was one of two finalists named to support the development project for Phase 1 of the NAVAIR PMA-272 RFCM AED Leonardo is the lead to be named as the Phase 2 finalist for the end of the 2024 program year.
- Fusion energy, long hailed as a cleaner, limitless, and carbon-free power source, is transitioning from research to practical engineering. Advancements in high-power pump laser diodes and breakthroughs like Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's "net target gain" demonstrate the potential of laser-driven inertial fusion energy (LD-IFE) to achieve sustainable and cost-effective energy production.
- Leonardo launched BriteStorm, an advanced electronic warfare payload designed to disrupt enemy IADS and protect friendly forces. By performing stand-in jamming, BriteStorm suppresses radar systems and confuses enemy tracking, enabling operations in contested environments. Lightweight, platform-agnostic, and easy to integrate, it leverages Leonardo’s proven DRFM technology and is rapidly re-programmable to counter evolving threats.
As we reflect on a year of collaboration, progress, and significant advancements in innovation, we are eager to carry this momentum into 2025. For more insights into our projects ,future goals, and solutions that work for you, visit Leonardo’s website and explore our Sensor and Laser sites.