US Army moves forward with 100kW laser weapon programme

The High Energy Laser Tactical Vehicle Demonstrator (HEL TVD) has recently undergone a System Requirements Review and technical baseline update. According to Lockheed, laser weapons of this size are suited to high volume, low cost threats due to their inexpensive cost per shot and deep magazine. The 100kW weapon is being developed specifically with the army’s Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) in mind and incorporates a ruggedised design and subsystems for battlefield conditions. The next phase of the programme will now build towards a preliminary design review of the of the HEL TVD in January 2019.

“Dynetics, Lockheed Martin and our partners are providing a safe and simple high energy laser weapon system that crews can operate for years to come and across various terrains," said Ronnie Chronister, Dynetics vice president of contracts. "We pulled together a cross-industry leading team, which has the expertise and knowledge to understand exactly what is needed. We believe that our solution will be straightforward and will be the type of system that will be preferred by the army."