Lockheed Martin's HELIOS laser weapon system prepares for field trials

The obvious advantages of laser weapons, well known to all fans of computer games, in real life have an equally impressive list of counterweights. Field tests of the Lockheed Martin HELIOS laser system will help you find a balance between what you want and what you actually do.

Recently Lockheed Martin announced in press releasethat the HELIOS laser weapon system being developed by the company will take a decisive step towards integration into combat ship systems this year. The abbreviation HELIOS speaks for itself - it is a high-energy laser with integrated optical blinding and surveillance systems. In 2021, at the final stage of testing, the HELIOS system will be integrated into an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.

The HELIOS project has passed final design approval. This year, the HELIOS system will undergo system integration into the American shipborne multifunctional combat information and control system Aegis (Aegis). Subsequently, the combat laser will become an integral part of the system's complex, so compatibility with it is a key factor for successful integration.

The combat laser, the press release notes, will provide an additional level of protection for the fleet, including "infinite ammo", low cost of engagement, speed of destruction comparable to the speed of light in the air, accuracy and high response. The main targets for HELIOS seem to be drones and high-speed light ships.

The military also expects HELIOS to “increase the learning curve for military personnel,” reduce the risk for future laser weapons projects, and also “signal” the industry to get involved in the supply of new weapons systems.

After testing the operation of the HELIOS system as part of the Aegis system, ground tests of the laser installation will take place at the US Navy test site on Wallops Island and only after that the system will begin to be mounted on the destroyer.

In Europe, Germany began to implement a similar project. But this is still an initiative of a separate country of the European Union, although it may become part of a pan-European fleet rearmament program. The defense institutions of the European Union have so far only funded expert work to assess the prospects of laser weapons in the Navy.

Source: 3dnews.ru