This weapon is called the Palletized High Energy Laser (P-HEL). In a recent test conducted in May, it became the first laser weapon to successfully shoot down a quadcopter UAV. P-HEL has the potential to transform future conflicts through its defensive capabilities against UAVs, a type of threat that lasers can effectively neutralize.
Laser weapons have long been a staple in many works of science fiction, most famously represented by the Death Star in the Star Wars series, which is powerful enough to destroy a planet. However, in reality, numerous technical challenges have limited the military applications of lasers, as it is very difficult to create a beam strong enough to sink ships, destroy tanks, or shoot down aircraft.
Laser weapons have long been featured in many works of science fiction.
Approximately 31 different high-energy laser programs of the U.S. military have proven to be quite ineffective. The most notable recent laser weapon, the DE M-SHORADS short-range air defense system mounted on Stryker vehicles, has also failed to meet expectations due to difficulties in keeping the beam focused on targets.
However, P-HEL has finally opened up a brighter prospect for laser weapons. At the heart of P-HEL is the LOCUST laser weapon system developed by contractor BlueHalo, which consists of two main components: the Laser Weapon and the Radar System. The weapon is a box-shaped unit weighing 1,542 kg, measuring 121.92 x 218.44 x 213.36 cm, with an output power ranging from 2-20 kW, making it easily transportable by pickup trucks. It generates a laser beam combined with a spectral beam for precise targeting. The radar system has a 360-degree coverage.
The payload accompanying this unit includes a highly stable tracking system with a 3x SWIR Zoom camera to lock onto moving targets, with a frame rate of 500-2500 Hz. It also features an MWIR sensor along with a Full HD imaging sensor equipped with optical zoom for superior image quality and noise reduction. These are controlled via an Xbox game controller.
The laser beam of LOCUST has a power of only 20 kW, significantly less than the 50 kW of DE M-SHORADS and Israel’s Iron Beam at 100 kW. However, its strength is extremely focused. LOCUST maintains the laser beam on a spot as small as a 24.2 mm diameter coin, aimed at a rapidly moving target. The AI-based beam control system of LOCUST identifies and classifies UAVs to target their most vulnerable point: the rotors. For instance, with a quadcopter UAV, it can disable three of its four rotors.
Laser weapons provide a cost-effective solution due to their infinite ‘ammunition’ supply.
The Stinger missile is the primary means in U.S. air defense systems, being very effective against aircraft and attack helicopters. However, it is prohibitively expensive when intercepting swarms of incoming UAVs, costing up to $480,000 per missile. Hence, laser weapons represent a more economical option due to their infinite ‘ammunition’ supply and can continuously shoot down UAVs. Moreover, even a highly reflective surface cannot defeat high-energy lasers, including the best reflective coatings.
As the threats from UAVs are rapidly increasing, laser weapons are becoming increasingly important as the last line of defense. Now that the P-HEL laser weapon has demonstrated its combat capability, the U.S. military may rapidly deploy it on a large scale in the near future.
