![\"laser\"](\"https:\/\/www.azuse.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/laser-e1553118677755.jpeg\")
\nArtist\u2019s concept of a HELIOS laser system aboard a U.S. destroyer. Lockheed Martin Image<\/p>\n
\nArtist\u2019s concept of a HELIOS laser system aboard a U.S. destroyer. Lockheed Martin Image<\/p>\n
Not so sure about burning larger ships- seems there’s a horizon involved- but for ruining the day of close aboard swarm boats and incoming air hostiles, this could be a game changer. Thanks to the Master Chief for the link.<\/p>\n
By: Sam LaGrone
\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 In the next two years, the Navy wants to deploy a laser aboard a guided-missile destroyer as the service learns to integrate directed energy weapon systems on warships, the Navy\u2019s director of surface warfare said on Wednesday.<\/p>\n\u201cWe are going to burn the boats if you will and move forward with this technology,\u201d Rear Adm. Ron Boxall said during the Booz, Allen, Hamilton and CSBA Directed Energy Summit 2019.<\/p>\n
The service is targeting 2021 to install a High Energy Laser and Integrated Optical-dazzler with Surveillance weapon system aboard a West Coast Arleigh Burke-class Flight IIA destroyer, Boxall said.<\/p>\n
The 60-kilowatt HELIOS, much more powerful than the 20-kilowatt laser weapon system the Navy tested aboard afloat forward staging base USS Ponce five years ago, is designed to counter small attack boats small unmanned aerial vehicles.<\/p>\n
Last year, Lockheed Martin won a $150 million contract to develop two of the systems \u2013 one for shore testing and a second to be installed on a destroyer. The Navy initially planned for the installation in 2020 for what it is calling the Surface Navy Laser Weapon System Increment 1.<\/p>\n
HELIOS will serve as an early test case to integrate a laser system into the Aegis combat system of the Navy\u2019s surface fleet. Additionally, the laser system provides a new capability as a sensor to give more precise targeting data than a ship\u2019s combat system. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Read the rest of the article here: USNI.org<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"