AeroVironment (AV) has selected Leonardo DRS to provide rugged integration expertise for the US Army’s Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) production programme.
AV received the US Army contract award for the E-HEL programme in September. DRS will provide power management and environmental control support to enable the mobile HEL counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) capability.
DRS’ subcontract supports AV’s production of LOCUST X3 laser weapon systems under the programme. LOCUST X3 is designed for integration across a range of military platforms, including the Army’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, with palletised configuration options also available.
DRS previously worked with AV and other industry partners to develop a mobile C-UAS directed-energy capability integrated into an armoured vehicle. In that effort, DRS provided vehicle-integration, power, thermal-management and systems-engineering services for US government live-fire evaluations and training in 2024 and 2025.
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Image: LOCUST X3 (AV)
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