UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
USN receives HELIOS laser system for tests ahead of integration onto Arleigh Burke-class destroyer
The USN has received the HELIOS laser system and will test the capability at Surface Combat Systems Center Wallops Island over the next several months.
Following the completion of company-controlled tests of the High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) laser weapon system at the end of 2020, manufacturer Lockheed Martin has delivered a full production unit to the USN for further trials through 2021.
It is expected that the HELIOS system will be deployed at sea in the later part of the year, fitted to a USN Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, potentially USS Preble. It was reported in March 2020 that the system had passed a Critical Design Review, with Navy Factory Qualification Test being completed later the
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