Introduction to Epirus and the Leonidas Unit
The cost of each Army Leonidas unit is currently in the "low eight figures," according to Lowery. Defense contract pricing can be complex, but Epirus delivered four units for its $66 million initial contract, which gives a rough estimate of around $16.5 million each. In comparison, Stinger missiles from Raytheon, which are used to target enemy aircraft or drones, cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per unit. This means the Leonidas could become a more cost-effective option after taking down the first wave of a swarm.
Raytheon’s Radar, Reversed
Epirus is part of a new wave of venture-capital-backed defense companies aiming to change the way weapons are developed and purchased by the Pentagon. Traditional defense companies like Raytheon, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin typically create new weapons in response to research grants and cost-plus contracts. However, this approach can result in products that are years late and billions of dollars over budget.
A New Approach to Defense Contracts
The new crop of military contractors, including Epirus, is taking a different approach. They aim to produce products quickly to solve a problem and then refine them as they pitch to the military. This model, pioneered by companies like Palantir and SpaceX, has led to the emergence of companies like Anduril, Shield AI, and dozens of other smaller startups in the defense industry.
The Founding of Epirus
Epirus has direct roots in Palantir, as it was co-founded by Joe Lonsdale, who also co-founded Palantir, and John Tenet, Lonsdale’s colleague at the time. The company’s name is inspired by the pseudo-mythological Epirus Bow from the 2011 fantasy action movie Immortals, which never runs out of arrows.
The History of Raytheon
Epirus’s roots are also linked to Raytheon, a pioneer in microwave technology. Founded in 1922 by MIT professor Vannevar Bush, Raytheon initially manufactured vacuum tubes. During World War II, the company developed early microwave radar technology and began mass-producing microwave tubes, known as magnetrons, for the US war effort.
The Evolution of Microwave Technology
Large tubes remained the best way to emit high-power microwaves for over half a century, outperforming silicon-based solid-state amplifiers. However, tubes have drawbacks: they are hot, big, and require maintenance. In recent years, new methods of building solid-state amplifiers using materials like gallium nitride have matured, allowing for more power without melting or shorting out.
The Development of the Leonidas Unit
The US Navy has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on cutting-edge microwave contracts, including a project at Raytheon called Next Generation Jammer. Lowery, the Epirus CEO, worked on this project, which aimed to design a new way to make high-powered microwaves that work at extremely long distances. The Leonidas unit uses similar fundamentals, including the same type of amplifier material and antenna setup, to fry the electronics of small targets at close range.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Epirus and its Leonidas unit represent a new approach to defense contracts and microwave technology. With its roots in Palantir and Raytheon, the company is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the industry. As the military continues to face new threats, including swarms of drones, the development of cost-effective and efficient countermeasures like the Leonidas unit is crucial.
FAQs
- What is the cost of each Army Leonidas unit?
The cost of each unit is currently in the "low eight figures," with a rough estimate of around $16.5 million each. - What is the difference between the Leonidas unit and traditional defense products?
The Leonidas unit is developed using a new approach, focusing on quick production and refinement, rather than traditional cost-plus contracts. - What is the history of Raytheon and its relevance to Epirus?
Raytheon was founded in 1922 and developed early microwave radar technology, including the production of magnetrons. Epirus’s CEO, Lowery, worked on a project at Raytheon called Next Generation Jammer, which aimed to design a new way to make high-powered microwaves. - How does the Leonidas unit work?
The Leonidas unit uses solid-state amplifiers and an antenna setup to fry the electronics of small targets at close range. - What are the potential benefits of the Leonidas unit?
The Leonidas unit could become a more cost-effective option for the military, especially when facing swarms of drones, as it can take down multiple targets without requiring replacement or maintenance.
