Laser weapon modernization to be led by Dynetics
NewsMay 08, 2020
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. Dynetics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Leidos, is playing an integral role in the U.S. Army's weapon modernization initiatives, where the latest directed energy weapon is increasing its power from a 100 kW-class system to a 300kW-class system.
Marking the official transition to the Indirect Fires Protection Capability - High Energy Laser (IFPC-HEL) endeavor, in January, the U.S. Army modified the existing contract to support on-going efforts to increase laser capability.
In late 2019, the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) also announced a High Energy Laser Scaling Initiative (HELSI) contract award by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) that will support the IFPC-HEL effort.
These design initiatives follow the progress made on the High Energy Laser Tactical Vehicle Demonstrator (HEL-TVD). As the prime contractor for IFPC-HEL, Dynetics is set to demonstrate a 300 kW-class prototype system in FY22. The solution is designed to provide continued support to defend against hostile unmanned aerial systems and rockets, artillery, and mortars.
