AeroVironment (AV) today announced the delivery of the first two mobile counter-unmanned aircraft system (CUAS) prototype Laser Weapon Systems (LWS) to the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) as part of the first increment of the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) prototyping effort. The AMP-HEL prototype systems feature AV’s 20kW-class LOCUST™ LWS integrated on the General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) platform.
“This milestone marks a major step forward in the Army’s pursuit of fieldable directed energy capabilities,” said Mary Clum, Senior Vice President for AV’s Space & Directed Energy Group. “Through the AMP-HEL program, AV is delivering our extensively validated LOCUST laser system–a technically sophisticated solution that has demonstrated reliability and operational readiness for the C-UAS fight.”
The AMP-HEL prototyping effort is part of the Army’s broader modernization initiative to rapidly develop and field DE solutions to defeat a range of threats, including drones and other airborne systems. Next month, AV is set to deliver the second increment of AMP-HEL–two Joint Light Tactical Vehicles with a 20kW class LOCUST LWS, radar, and command-and-control systems.
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