Military Space News
RAY GUNS
Lockheed Martin to deliver high-energy laser systems for US Army's IFPC-HEL Program
The Powerful Laser Weapon System will protect Soldiers from advanced peer and near-peer threats.
Lockheed Martin to deliver high-energy laser systems for US Army's IFPC-HEL Program
by Staff Writers
Bothell WA (SPX) Oct 16, 2023

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Army to develop and supply up to four 300 kW-class laser weapon systems. The systems will be part of the U.S. Army's Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High Energy Laser (IFPC-HEL) prototype initiative, a program designed to provide a more effective defense against a range of threats including unmanned aerial systems, rocket fire, artillery, and both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft.

Rick Cordaro, vice president of Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Weapons, commented on the contract, stating, "Winning the IFPC-HEL prototype contract is the result of several years of complex program evolution, strategic investments and partnership with the Army on this program. Our mature directed energy technology enables Lockheed Martin to provide speed, agility, and 21st Century Security solutions to the Army."

The contract specifics indicate that Lockheed Martin will supply the Army with two initial 300 kW-class IFPC-HEL prototypes. There is also an option for the procurement of two additional units of the same class if needed.

Milestones in IFPC-HEL Development
Lockheed Martin's involvement in high-energy laser technologies is not new and dates back several years. In 2019, the company played a key role in transitioning from the 100 kW-class High Energy Laser Tactical Vehicle Demonstrator (HEL-TVD) to the more potent 300 kW-class IFPC-HEL demonstrator. The transition marked a threefold increase in energy output, paving the way for more effective and versatile applications in defense systems.

In 2020, the Department of Defense awarded Lockheed Martin another contract, this time for the development of a compact, ruggedized 300 kW-class laser system. This underlined the Department's increasing reliance on Lockheed Martin's expertise in high-energy laser technologies for its defense initiatives.

Adding to these milestones, in August 2022, Lockheed Martin delivered the High Energy Laser Scaling Initiative (HELSI) laser, which was specifically designed for integration into the IFPC-HEL prototype program. At that point in time, it was considered the most powerful solid-state directed energy technology delivered.

Broad Applications
The IFPC-HEL system aims to work in concert with other defense mechanisms to offer a layered protection strategy. The laser systems are expected to mitigate risks from a variety of threats, thereby providing a flexible defense apparatus for the U.S. Army.

The 300 kW-class laser systems stand at the intersection of science and practical military application. They embody Lockheed Martin's continued commitment to innovating defense technologies that can adapt to the dynamic threats of modern warfare. As indicated by the option for additional units, the program might be scaled up, depending on its success in the prototype phase.

By leveraging its mature directed energy technology, Lockheed Martin aims to provide rapid and agile solutions to the Army. The contract win underlines the company's role as a pivotal player in the advancement of next-generation military technology.

This award comes as a significant milestone in the U.S. Army's effort to modernize its defense capabilities and represents a tangible advancement in the field of directed energy systems.

Related Links
Directed Energy at Lockheed Martin
Learn about laser weapon technology at SpaceWar.com

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
RAY GUNS
Raytheon UK set to receive and integrate UK's first laser weapon system in October
London, UK (SPX) Sep 20, 2023
Raytheon UK is set to receive its first high-energy laser weapon system to be tested and integrated in the United Kingdom, marking a significant advancement in the understanding of how such systems can be fielded. Raytheon UK is the British unit of RTX's (NYSE: RTX) Raytheon business. Designed to stop aerial threats such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), this 15-kilowatt laser is the latest development in the UK Ministry of Defence's Land Demonstrator programme. Raytheon UK was contracted in 202 ... read more

RAY GUNS
Germany 'working' to send Ukraine new Patriot system: Zelensky

$3.5 bn Germany deal the biggest yet for Israeli arms sector

Germany and Israel sign 'historic' missile shield deal

Estonia, Latvia acquire 1bn-euro German air defence system

RAY GUNS
US Navy intercepts 3 missiles fired from Yemen 'potentially' at Israel: Pentagon

Rockets fired at Tel Aviv after Israeli strikes on Gaza 'civilians': Hamas

Russia and Kyrgyzstan to create shared air defence system

Russian defence minister inspects factory for advanced missiles

RAY GUNS
Amazon to expand drone delivery into Britain and Italy

IDF says drone strike kills four who attempted to place bomb at Lebanon border

Germany allows Israel to use two of its combat drones

Syria buries dead after military academy drone attack

RAY GUNS
Northrop Grumman to Create Constellation of Connectivity for Air Force Research Laboratory

Aalyria and Second Front partner to expedite availability of spacetime for government use

US Army contracts Comtech for communication and engineering support services

goTenna achieves key milestone for narrowband mesh radio voice capability

RAY GUNS
Israeli forces prepare for grinding urban war in Gaza

'Not proud at all': Japan's army struggles to recruit

Britain, European allies unveil $122M security package for Ukraine

Bulgaria charges five for exporting dual-use goods to Russia

RAY GUNS
N.Korea has sent arms to Russia for use in Ukraine: White House

U.S. think tank: Railcar buildup could be N. Korea weapons shipments to Russia

Africa interested in making Ukrainian weapons: Kyiv

Russia unveils huge spending hike to battle 'hybrid war'

RAY GUNS
China's Xi rejects 'bloc confrontation' as begins BRI forum

Xi hails Putin friendship and deep ties between China and Russia

Putin in China to meet 'dear friend' Xi

Superpowers must learn to coexist

RAY GUNS
Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.