Laser weapon energy storage and power supply system

Why are laser weapons a revolutionary technology?

Our experience includes: Laser weapons are a revolutionary technology because of the advantages of speed, flexibility, precision and low cost per engagement that are only possible with lasers. These advantages apply to stand-alone DE laser systems as well as to weapon systems that combine DE and kinetic energy capabilities.

Why is the DoD pursuing higher power laser weapons?

DOD, in coordination with each of the military departments, is pursuing higher power laser weapons for improved capability to engage a broader range of threats. In 2019, DOD introduced the High Energy Laser Scaling Initiative to leverage current technologies, increase the power output of HEL, and expand the potential range of HEL mission sets.

Does the Army have a laser weapon system?

The U.S. Army have also deployed a directed-energy system of its own aimed at keeping soldiers safe from UAVs and rockets, artillery, and mortars. In 2021, the Army tested 50-kilowatt laser weapons mounted on Stryker combat vehicles, conducting additional evaluations.

Why did the Navy develop a laser weapons system?

LaWS was developed as a prototype to test the feasibility of laser weapons in the ocean environment, and the Navy moved forward with the development and deployment of a higher-powered system produced by Lockheed Martin's Laser and Sensor Systems division in Bothell, Wash.

What is a laser weapon & beam control system?

Advances in electric laser technology combined with cutting edge energy storage solutions, advanced materials, control systems and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques has made possible a rugged and compact laser weapon and beam control system capable of performing in demanding flight environments.

Does USS Little Rock have a laser weapon?

The Navy’s littoral combat ship USS Little Rock has a 150-kilowatt laser weapon, likely Lockheed Martin’s $150 million High Energy Laser and Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS), or the Surface Navy Laser Weapon System (SNLWS) Increment 1, making it the fourth Navy ship with such a system.