The High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator is on track to get a major upgrade and its sister laser, the Compact Laser Weapon System has just successfully shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle. Good news for those at Boeing who are hoping the Army, and others, pick up this technology.
The HEL MD, sponsored by Redstone Arsenal’s Space and Missile Defense Command, is currently undergoing a massive upgrade, increasing the laser’s wattage from 10 KWs to 50-60 KWs, which will greatly increase its lethality.
The truck based system currently has a 10 KW solid state laser mounted on a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck, but that same platform will easily support the 50-60 KW upgrade. The HEL MD has been successful in defending against rocket, mortar, artillery, and unmanned aerial systems. The integration of the 50KW laser is the next step in proving out the technology.
Boeing officials spoke about the upgrade and the successful test of the CLWS while at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium Tuesday.
WAAYTV.com – Huntsville, Alabama – News Weather, Sports | The CLWS has been successfully tested numerous times against stationary objects but the recent August 3rd Blackdart exercise where it successfully shot down an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, was a first for the much smaller laser which puts out 2 KWs of energy. The test which took place at Point Mugu California, was attended by approximately 60 government officials.WAAYTV.com – Huntsville, Alabama – News Weather, Sports |
The CLWS could potentially be integrated onto a variety of platforms across multiple military branches. The next test phase will begin in 2016. CLWS is funded entirely by Boeing, unlike HEL MD which receives some funding from the DoD.
Source: Redstone Alabama