San Diego-based General Atomics is reportedly developing laser weapons that could be fitted on the Navy’s latest guided-missile destroyers.
The authoritative trade journal “Aviation Week & Space Technology” reported Tuesday that General Atomics has responded to a Navy request for a 150-kilowatt laser weapon to counter unmanned aircraft and small boats using only ship power and cooling.
The weapon is supposed to be demonstrated in 2018 aboard a Navy test ship off Port Hueneme in Oxnard, according to Aviation Week.
Earlier this month, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems announced that it successfully completed government tests of its Gen 3 High Energy Laser System. The tests measured beam quality and power.
“These measurements confirm the exceptional beam quality of the Gen 3 HEL, the next-generation leader in electrically-pumped lasers,” said Claudio Pereida, executive vice president for mission systems.
The laser is powered by a compact lithium-ion battery and can be use on land, sea or airborne platforms in 50, 75, 150 and 300 kilowatt power levels.
