Lockheed Martin announced that the “first lights” were received on the laser complex. The laser will be installed on armored combat vehicle for the short-range manoeuvrable air defense system (DEIMOS). It is capable of intercepting mines, bombs, missiles as well as drones and helicopters.
The demonstration validates beam quality of the company’s affordable 50kW-class laser architecture. This was in line with the US Army’s modernization strategy. It will be a tactical, laser weapon system that can integrate into Stryker combat vehicles. This will provide a reliable “directed power capability” in the US Army’s highly developed Short Range Maneuverable Area Defense (M-SHORAD).
Demonstrators tested the beam quality of the system and the performance of the revolutionary, low-cost Spectral Beam Combination architecture. SBC has the advantage that power can be increased while still maintaining excellent beam quality for individual fiber lasers.
Lockheed Martin already uses the SBC system to mass produce combat lasers. She began delivering tactical laser weapons to ships – HELIOS systems with a maximum power of 60 kW – in August 2022. In September the same year, she delivered the largest 300 kW HELSI installation for ground forces.
The main problem for laser weapons is providing the required power supply. This will be the biggest problem for combat vehicles. Field testing of DEIMOS with full integration is planned for 2024. The company will also conduct extensive testing on individual components of its plant in 2023.