Lockheed Martin announced the delivery of the first 60+ kW class high-energy laser (HELIOS) with integrated optical dazzler and surveillance system to the US Navy. The HELIOS system is the first tactical laser weapon system to be integrated into existing ships, giving them a directed energy capability.
US tests laser weapon on warplanes
First 60+ kW class high energy laser weapon system
The HELIOS 60+ kW class multifunctional laser weapon will not be deployed as a trial on US navy ships as in previous tests, but as an operational tactical system that can be fully integrated and scaled on ships.
Like other laser weapons, HELIOS can beam multiple targets at lightning speed at a low cost per shot (when equipment costs are not taken into account) and has an unlimited supply of ammunition as long as power is available. Where HELIOS differs is that it’s not just used to destroy targets. It is also useful in collecting data from long distances for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) applications. According to Lockheed, this makes HELIOS an essential element of the layered defense architecture for fleet protection.
Many weapons currently deployed on US Navy warships, including the Phalanx close-defense weapon system (CIWS) and Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM), have similar strength to HELIOS against small boats and drones. HELIOS can also target larger and faster aircraft and missiles. Phalanx can fire continuously for 20 – 30 seconds, RAM also has a limited number of missiles. Using the built-in power generation system, HELIOS can theoretically fire an unlimited number of shots.
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