Boeing has received the beam director assembly for the US Army’s high-energy laser technology demonstrator (HEL TD) programme from Integrated Optical Systems Brashear, a division of L-3 Communications.

The beam director will be assembled with the remaining beam control system hardware at the company’s facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The beam control system incorporates mirrors, high-speed processors and high-speed optical sensors to receive the laser beam from HEL TD and reshape it accordingly to track and select the target.

Laser weapon technology is highly anticipated as a next generation of weaponry, capable of providing an ultra-precision, speed-of-light capability that will be able to counter rocket, artillery and mortar projectiles.

Boeing Directed Energy Systems vice-president Mike Rinn said that testing will begin early in 2011 against real targets at White Sands Missile Range.

“Using a low-power surrogate for the high-energy laser, we will demonstrate the transformational capability of this system and its potential for the battlefield,” he said.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The solid-state laser weapon system will be integrated with an Oshkosh heavy expanded mobility tactical truck (HEMTT), which will then be fitted to a high-energy laser that can destroy real targets.