Lockheed Martin unveils plans to develop new class of 500kW laser weapon
Lockheed Martin is developing a larger version of its 300kW laser. (Image: Lockheed Martin)
Lockheed Martin will scale its technology to a 500kW-class laser under a new contract, aiming to optimize efficiency and size while increasing power for high-powered directed energy weapon systems.
Lockheed Martin has announced plans to upscale its 300kW laser to 500kW class under a contract awarded by the US Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering (OUSD (R&E)), a follow on to a contract from the same organisation for developing a smaller version.
The new contract is described by the company as the second phase of the High Energy Laser Scaling Initiative (HELSI) which aims to increase the laser’s power level while achieving better beam quality and optimising efficiency, size, weight and volume for the continuous-wave high energy laser sources.
An artists' concept of Lockheed Martin's 500 kW-class laser for HELSI. (Image: Lockheed Martin)
Related Articles
Lockheed Martin makes case for new era of directed energy weapons
In a statement the company said ‘the 500kW-class laser will be tactically configured, utilise the beam combined architecture to support military platforms, and incorporate DoD Modular Open System Approach standards to ensure the systems interoperability and multi-mission integration.’
Earlier in July was awarded an agreement with a ceiling of $220.8 million to develop, integrate, manufacture, test, and deliver Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High Energy Laser (IFPC-HEL) prototype weapon systems. These are being developed as land-based mobile systems to protect defence sites against UAS, mortar, missile and rocket attacks.
In September 2022 the company said it had delivered ‘a tactically relevant electric 300kW-class laser to OUSD (R&E) [and it is] ready to integrate with the DoD demonstration efforts including the IFPC-HEL demonstrator laser weapon system.’
The OUSD (R&E) selected Lockheed Martin in 2019 to scale its spectral beam combined high energy laser architecture to the 300 kW-class level as part of HELSI.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Turkey’s latest IFV takes shape as key subsystems revealed]()
Turkey’s latest IFV takes shape as key subsystems revealed
First deliveries of the SARP 100/35 remote-controlled turret (RCT) for Altuğ, developed as a private venture by Aselsan, will be made in 2027.
-
![Companies and militaries look to artificial intelligence to improve support of equipment]()
Companies and militaries look to artificial intelligence to improve support of equipment
Companies are turning to rapidly advancing technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning (ML) to to reduce maintenance times and costs and increase operational hours and tempo.
-
![British Army fires Javelin from Boxer as Australia set for lightweight launchers]()
British Army fires Javelin from Boxer as Australia set for lightweight launchers
Australia has received approval to buy Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLU) on the same day as the British Army announced the first firing from a Boxer armoured vehicle, a sign of the continuing interest in the weapon. Billons-of-dollars of Javelin missiles and systems have been ordered in the past two years.
-
![Lockheed picks Australian site for GMLRS support and possible missile manufacture]()
Lockheed picks Australian site for GMLRS support and possible missile manufacture
A final decision on the siting of an Australian Weapons Manufacturing Complex (AMWC), which will produce all-up GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) rounds, will be made by the Australian Department of Defence (DoD).
-
![Raytheon and Diehl Defence sign deal to co-produce Stinger missiles in Europe]()
Raytheon and Diehl Defence sign deal to co-produce Stinger missiles in Europe
An agreement has been signed that will extend Stinger missile system production to Europe with Diehl Defence currently looking at manufacturing locations.
-
![New version of Altay tank to be delivered “soon” with Turkish engine for later iterations]()
New version of Altay tank to be delivered “soon” with Turkish engine for later iterations
The first of the Altay T1 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) will have a South Korean power pack while later Altay T2s will be fitted with the locally made BMC BATU engine.
