The high-energy laser mobile demonstrationator helmd can send a beam to airborne targets that disarms drones and incoming mortar rounds. It is powered by lithium-ion batteries and a 60-kilowatt generator. A bespoke system with hi-tech sensors tracks its targets in flight.
The HEL MD successfully engaged more than 90 mortar rounds and several unmanned aerial vehicles in multiple tests last year at White Sands Missile Range, according to Army officials. This success led officials to seek out ways to increase the laser’s power and eventually boost its strength up to 100 milliwatts.
This could be a significant advance in defense against hypersonic rockets that fly too fast to avoid being hit by conventional systems. The Army has already started testing a 10kilowatt laser. Later, it plans to scale down the model to a 50kilowatt and finally 100 kilowatts.
As the technology continues to evolve, it is becoming an increasingly important weapon for warfighters. Lasers can disarm a wide variety of weapons, with an increasing power. In addition to its ability to disable airborne threats, the system has also been used in a variety of maritime situations, proving that it can successfully track and engage ships at sea.
A hel-md is designed to be operated by a vehicle operator and a weapon operator, whose job is to operate the laser. They must be able and willing to work together. The laser's intensity can be controlled by an Xbox controller and the laser can also tracked and aimed using a laptop.
Lasers must have precise aiming systems in order to achieve the desired beam-focusing. This is achieved by using 127 mirrors, lenses and filters to create a spot that's as small as possible on the target. This makes it possible for the laser beam to focus on the target, and allows it to produce powerful light that can cause damage.
A number of projects have been funded by the US Department of Defense to improve the performance of helmd. These projects include studies that aim to reduce the weight of the laser system, improve its accuracy, and make it more suitable for the armed forces.
This includes evaluating the effect of atmospheric conditions on helmd's target tracking capabilities and acquisition capabilities. The program team tested several sensing modalities within the infrared spectrum, in order to determine which ones perform best in rainy or fog conditions.
These studies will serve as the basis for future research on hel-md’s operational capabilities. They also help to assess how a laser gun can meet the needs of the U.S. Army under a variety battlefield conditions including adverse weather.
The project also seeks to evaluate the capability of the system to engage targets at greater distances and in a wider array of environmental conditions than previous high-energy laser systems. This will enable the system's defense against ground-based weapons and aircraft.