A report from NDIA highlights directed-energy suppliers’ struggles to get by on unpredictable “one-off” contracts for prototypes and field tests — but OSD research and acquisition officials warn there are complex tactical questions to work out before they can buy lasers in bulk.
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.While SDA plans to use lasers to connect its hundreds of satellites in low Earth orbit to each other and to the ground, that technology remains in its infancy.
By Theresa Hitchens“There have been some really impressive results,” said MDA Executive Director Laura DeSimone on recent directed energy tests.
By Theresa HitchensMatt Jones, an executive at Electro Optic Systems, told Breaking Defense the company’s container-based 36-kilowatt laser is ready to deploy.
By Max BlenkinBoth firms are exhibiting high-energy lasers (HEL) systems at their stations at IDEX 2023 in Abu Dhabi.
By Agnes HelouIt’s the company’s first business unit focused solely on directed energy.
By Justin Katz“We don’t have a technology problem or a scientific problem anymore… it’s now an engineering problem. The science is there, we’ve shown that it works,” said Rafael executive Michael Lurie.
By Aaron MehtaFlight demos will take place in summer or fall 2023, but it remains unclear whether development will turn into a bonafide program of record.
By Valerie InsinnaThe new laser will take part in the Army’s demonstration of its Indirect Fires Protection Capability-High Energy Laser later this year.
By Andrew EversdenAsymmetric threats addressed by high-energy lasers include small-to-midsize Group 1, 2, and 3 drones, along with rockets, artillery, and mortars.
By Breaking Defense“If we wait until a system goes into a sustainment cycle for us to be able to tool up and facilities up, it’s way too late,” Letterkenny Army Depot’s Kate Williams told Breaking Defense.
By Andrew EversdenMandrake 2’s next trick, after demonstrating optical intersatellite links, will be using lasers for space-to-ground communications.
By Theresa HitchensIn addition to the directed energy system for the Stryker, the Army is looking at a small laser for a smaller vehicle.
By Andrew EversdenSee how Raytheon Missiles & Defense is developing high-power microwaves as part of layered air defenses.
By Raytheon Missiles & Defense