Washington:
The US Navy has successfully tested its high -energy laser with an optical and surveillance optical system (helios) in one of its warships.
The test, which took place in 2024, is an important step in Washington’s efforts to display profitable laser armament to counteract emerging threats.
The experiment was carried out aboard the Arleight Burke Uss Preble class destroyer, according to a report.
What is the Helios laser?
Developed by Lockheed Martin, Helios is a high -power laser weapon designed to neutralize threats such as drones, fast attack boats and even missiles. Offers two different attack modes:
- Hard Kill: directly destroying an objective.
- Soft Murder: Interrupt electronic components to disable enemy systems.
Lockheed Martin describes Helios as a “deep magazine, low death cost, light speed delivery and precision response.” The weapon can currently generate more than 60 kilowatts of directed energy, with possible improvements that reach 120 kilowatts.
What was tested?
The Helios system was used for Zap an aerial drone, confirming its operational capabilities in a real world environment. The exact date and location of the test remain classified, but the event was highlighted in the director’s annual report, Operational Test (Dot & E) of the Pentagon.
A black and white photo of the report shows a white light streak shooting from the USS Preble to heaven, capturing the moment when the laser hired its goal. The test was aimed at validating the functionality, performance and capacity of the Helios system.
Why does Helios import?
The lasers provide a cheaper and more efficient alternative to traditional missile defenses, which are based on expensive ammunition. In regions such as the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, where the hutis rebels backed by Iran have been throwing drones and missile attacks against US and allied warships, the need for advanced defensive technology has become urgent.
Vice Adm Brendan McLane pointed out in 2024 that the Navy lacked an operational laser weapon, but emphasized that directed energy weapons would help US warships to counteract asymmetric threats such as those raised by the hutis.
Challenges ahead
Despite the successful test, the Navy has faced several obstacles in the development of laser weapons:
- Energy supply problems: ships need a significant energy source to admit high energy lasers.
- Environmental conditions: fog, wind and other climatic conditions can affect laser performance.
- Integration with existing systems: Ensure that Helios works perfectly with other defenses on board.
The Department of Defense has invested $ 1 billion annually in high energy lasers, but the results have been slow.
The Navy has deployed eight dazzling interdictor, or odin, that laser dazzling in destroyers, which focus on interrupting enemy sensors instead of direct destruction.
With Helios demonstrating its effectiveness, the United States Navy is expected to expand its directed energy weapons programs. The ability to disable drones and missiles economically, instead of using expensive interceptors, could change the naval war, making future fleets more efficient and self -sufficient.
By
