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Raytheon has a received a new US Air Force contract for the deployment of two prototype high energy laser weapon systems for USAF troops overseas. The Air Force experimentation includes 12 months of in-field operation against unmanned aerial systems and operator training.
Raytheon's HELWS (High Energy Laser Weapon System) uses pure energy to detect, identify and instantly take down drones. It can target a single drone with precision. It is paired with Raytheon's Multi-spectral Targeting System. It uses invisible beams of light to defeat hostile UASs. Mounted on a Polaris MRZR all-terrain vehicle, the system detects, identifies, tracks and engages drones.
Raytheon’s innovative laser weapon systems with 360 degree coverage for sea, land and air applications, identifies, tracks, and defends against enemy missiles, mortars, unmanned vehicles, swarming boat attacks and other "close-in" defense situations. They provide precise, clean, low-cost engagements with near-infinite magazines. The systems generate high power output in compact and rugged packages. The open architecture features modular, scalable designs that can be integrated on a variety of tactical platforms making them available for immediate use in combat. Raytheon has also partnered with U.S. Special Operations Command and Project Management Office Apache Attack Helicopter to demonstrate the feasibility of high energy lasers on rotary wing aircraft. Confirmed on the AH-64 Apache, the HEL delivered a near-instantaneous response proving reliability and lethality in operational combat zones.
The contract follows successful demonstrations of Raytheon's directed energy systems for the Air Force and the U.S. Army.
Click here to know more about the Raytheon HELWS.
