MZA Associates to develop C-UAS laser solution
The development of MZA's Othela line of beam directors is a result of the Air Force Research Laboratory need to develop lightweight compact beam directors for high power laser applications. (Photo: MZA Associates)
MZA Associates selected to develop C-UAS HELWS by the Navy and Marine Corps Science & Technology.
MZA Associates has been awarded a contract for the development of a Counter Uncrewed Aerial System (C-UAS) High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS).
The contract is part of the Navy and Marine Corps Science & Technology’s Long Range Broad Agency Announcement and is valued at around $18.7 million.
Work is expected to be completed by August 2023, with a potential completion date of 2025 if all options are exercised.
MZA Associates will develop the C-UAS HELWS from the design stage to the demonstration of a compact, portable, low-cost and reliable product.
The C-UAS HELWS is being developed to destroy hostile UAS using an alternative method to the traditional use of kinetic force.
The system uses pure energy to detect, identify and instantly take down UAS, and can target a single drone with precision.
It offers many advantages over other forms of C-UAS, however, there are significant challenges such as power and cooling issues.
David Stoudt, executive advisor at Booz Allen Hamilton, compared a HELWS to a blowtorch ‘You wave a blow torch by a pipe you will have little or no effect and similarly you have to get a laser on a point and hold it there for a dwell time to deposit sufficient energy’.
More from Air Warfare
-
![General Atomics Mojave performs live fire tests amid push for FARA replacement]()
General Atomics Mojave performs live fire tests amid push for FARA replacement
During the test the Mojave showcased its capability to act as a sensor, shooter and sustainer, potentially strengthening General Atomics’ pitch towards a FARA replacement.
-
![India could buy nearly 100 new Tejas fighters in biggest ever domestic order]()
India could buy nearly 100 new Tejas fighters in biggest ever domestic order
This procurement would form part of the Indian Air Force’s plan to retire its fleet of MiG-21 fighters and replace them with the indigenous LCA Tejas Mk1As by 2025.
-
![Romania receives three more F-16 fighters from Norway]()
Romania receives three more F-16 fighters from Norway
Romania has continued to marking progress in its efforts to modernise its air force and replace its Soviet-era MiG-21 fighters.
-
![Spain fortifies air defences with more NASAMS]()
Spain fortifies air defences with more NASAMS
Spain began the advancement of its air defence capabilities with the initiation of the NASAMS modernisation programme.
