Kipco Aerospace Files Patent for Laser Weapon Cooling System

Faster and More Efficient Cooling Performance Than Conventional Systems

Kipco Aerospace, a domestic defense SME, has filed a patent for a "3D Printing Additive Manufacturing Technology-Based Gyroid Cooling System." This cooling system is essential for laser air defense weapons, as it can instantly dissipate heat, making it suitable even for small spaces such as unmanned tactical vehicles.

Photo by Kipco Aerospace

According to Kipco Aerospace on March 24, the patented cooling system was manufactured using 3D printing technology instead of traditional manufacturing methods. This approach allows for the precise implementation of complex curved surfaces, which in turn increases the heat dissipation area.

In particular, the company adopted a dual phase change material (PCM) cooling method, which enables stepwise temperature control even in confined spaces where rapid temperature spikes occur. Laser weapons generate temperatures exceeding 300 degrees Celsius in an instant upon firing. Without a cooling system, both the projectile and internal systems can melt. Such deformation of the laser weapon can cause a dramatic decrease in accuracy. The time required to lower the temperature has also been shortened; by applying a gyroid-structured heat exchanger and the dual phase change material (PCM) cooling method, the system can reduce the temperature by up to 80% within one minute.

A company official stated, "One of the key features of this patent is the heat exchanger with a gyroid structure," adding, "It creates turbulence in small spaces, delivering more than four times the cooling performance compared to existing cooling systems, and can be applied to various laser weapons."

Within and outside the military, there is an expectation that the development of laser weapons to counter drone warfare—demonstrated during the U.S.-Iran conflict—will accelerate. The company anticipates that its "3D Printing Additive Manufacturing Technology-Based Gyroid Cooling System" can be applied to a wide range of laser weapons.

Meanwhile, Kipco Aerospace, which originated as Kukil Precision in 1989, is rapidly expanding its technological repertoire into areas such as electronic optical tracking systems (EOTS) for ground equipment and next-generation AI-based anti-drone jammers (EW systems). The company has also produced modules for advanced precision weapons, including tactical information communication systems, satellite communication systems, and radar.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.