Raytheon High-Energy Laser Weapon System US Air Force
Raytheon Co announced that it has delivered the first high-energy laser weapon system (HELWS) to counter-unmanned aerial system to the U.S. Air Force. This anti-drone laser can be installed on small all-terrain vehicles, and a single charge from a standard 220-volt outlet enables it to deliver intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability as well as fire dozens of precise laser shots. Read more for a video and additional information.



When paired with a power generator, the weapon system can fire nearly an infinite number of shots. The HELWS can work on land, in the air and at sea, providing 360°coverage in a rugged package that can scale to the demands of the mission. Raytheon said the value of the contract for two HELWS prototypes is $23.8-million USD.

Five years ago, few people worried about the drone threat. Now, we hear about attacks or incursions all the time. Our customers saw this coming and asked us to develop a ready-now counter-UAS capability. We did just that by going from the drawing board to delivery in less than 24 months,” said Roy Azevedo, president of Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems.

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