The High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) or Mk 5 Mod 0 HELIOS[1] is a Lockheed Martin-developed 60 kilowatt high-energy laser weapon designed to intercept combat drones, fast-attack craft, and missiles.[2] After winning the contract in , the first announced installation was on USS Preble (DDG-88) in .[3] By it was reportedly deployed onto an Arleigh Burke-class ship as part of its anti-air Aegis Combat System.[2][4]
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The HELIOS system uses a modular power and fiber-optic configuration that can be expanded to fire at between 60 and 120 kW. Besides drone and missile defense, it also performs long range surveillance (ISR) and sensor dazzling. Its purported advantages are high precision, efficient "cost to kill", and power capacity for multiple shots ranging as far as 6 miles.[2] As of , higher-power laser weapons in the 150 to 300 kW range are being tested against anti-ship cruise missiles.[4][5]
Designed to be integrated into the Aegis Combat System, HELIOS augments naval and air defense by providing a directed-energy option. It offers soft-kill measures such as blinding optical sensors on incoming targets, and hard-kill measures by heating and damaging structural components of a target, causing it to combust into flames.[2] The system relies on ship power, enabling long term weapon operation limited only by maintaining constant power and cooling.[2][4] This reliance allows repeated engagements without the need to reload or resupply its ammunition.[2][5] However, Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers require more electrical power generation for their AN/SPY-6 radar, leaving little extra power for additional systems. Rear Admiral Ronald Boxall, while serving as the director of Navy surface warfare, said, "The Navy will have to either remove something or look at 'very aggressive power management.'".[6]
HELIOS is also adaptable to other ship types and combat systems, such as aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships fitted with the Ship Self-Defense System.[2]
HELIOS uses multiple kilowatt fiber lasers that have been spectrally combined to create a beam capable of consistent output at 60 kW[2] with the potential to operate at 150 kW.[6] As opposed to a "bolt-on" capable weapon such as the Optical Dazzling Interdictor, Navy (ODIN), a device that has already been fielded to numerous Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, HELIOS is directly integrated with the ship's combat system, allowing it to operate with the onboard fire control systems and radars.[7] ODIN also only maintains the capability to dazzle and deter optical sensors[7] rather than hard-kill, while HELIOS can do both.[2] HELIOS is also capable of using its' laser as a sensor for precise targeting data, more accurate than its' ship's combat system and onboard sensors.
The U.S. Navy plans to use HELIOS as an early test into integrated shipborne directed-energy weapons in its' surface fleet, hoping to develop their doctrine into the ability to utilize lasers against larger targets such as anti-ship missiles or cruise missiles.[6][7]
Development of HELIOS began following operational issues with the AN/SEQ-3 Laser Weapon System, with a $150 million dollar contract being awarded to Lockheed Martin by the U.S. Navy in with the purpose of designing a high energy laser capable of precision accuracy used for countering drones, fast-attack vehicles, and anti-ship missiles[1][2][6] to be built and delivered, one for land-based testing and one for installation aboard a Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.
The system was intended to work with Aegis Combat System fitted vessels, along with rapid integration to vessels operating with similar systems.[2]
The advent of high energy lasers has been a game-changer in the realm of military technology, offering a plethora of benefits over traditional projectile-based weaponry. With the ability to deliver precise, high-energy bursts of light over long distances, these systems have the potential to revolutionize the modern battlefield. As a domain expert in military technology, with a background in physics and engineering, I have had the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of tactical high energy lasers and their potential applications. My experience in analyzing complex systems and evaluating their potential impact on military operations has provided me with a unique perspective on this topic.
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One of the primary advantages of high energy lasers is their ability to engage targets at the speed of light, eliminating the need for traditional projectiles and their associated ballistic trajectories. This not only enhances accuracy but also reduces the time it takes to engage a target, allowing for more rapid response times in high-pressure combat scenarios. Furthermore, high energy lasers can be powered by a variety of sources, including batteries, generators, or even nuclear reactors, making them a versatile option for a range of military applications. According to a study by the Department of Defense, the use of high energy lasers can reduce the logistical burden of traditional weaponry by up to 30%, resulting in significant cost savings and improved operational efficiency.
High energy lasers have a wide range of potential applications on the modern battlefield, from air defense and anti-missile systems to ground-based engagements and even space-based platforms. One of the most significant advantages of these systems is their ability to engage multiple targets in a single burst, making them an attractive option for scenarios where multiple threats are present. Additionally, high energy lasers can be designed to operate at a variety of wavelengths, allowing for tailored performance in different environmental conditions. For example, a study by the National Defense University found that high energy lasers operating in the infrared spectrum can be effective against targets in dusty or smoky environments, where traditional optical systems may be degraded.
Another key benefit of tactical high energy lasers is their potential to reduce collateral damage and minimize the risk of civilian casualties. By delivering a precise, high-energy burst of light, these systems can effectively engage targets while minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding structures or personnel. This is particularly important in urban warfare scenarios, where the risk of civilian casualties is high and the need for precision engagement is paramount. According to a report by the International Committee of the Red Cross, the use of high energy lasers can reduce the risk of civilian casualties by up to 50% compared to traditional weaponry.
Despite the many advantages of tactical high energy lasers, there are still several technical challenges that must be overcome before these systems can be effectively deployed on the battlefield. One of the primary challenges is the development of effective beam control and pointing systems, which are critical to the accurate delivery of high-energy laser pulses. Additionally, the development of high-power laser sources and advanced thermal management systems is essential for achieving the high levels of power and efficiency required for tactical applications. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have made significant advancements in the development of high-power laser sources, achieving power levels of up to 100 kW in laboratory tests.
Technical ParameterCurrent StatusFuture Developments Beam Control and PointingAdvanced systems in developmentIntegration with existing fire control systems High-Power Laser Sources100 kW power levels achieved in laboratory testsDevelopment of compact, high-efficiency sources Thermal ManagementAdvanced cooling systems in developmentIntegration with high-power laser sources and beam control systems ???? The development of tactical high energy lasers requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining expertise in physics, engineering, and materials science. As these systems continue to evolve, we can expect to see significant advancements in beam control, high-power laser sources, and thermal management, ultimately leading to the widespread adoption of these technologies on the modern battlefield.The effective deployment of tactical high energy lasers will require seamless integration with existing military platforms and systems. This includes the development of advanced fire control systems, which can accurately track and engage targets in a variety of environments. Additionally, the integration of high energy lasers with existing command and control systems is essential for maximizing their effectiveness on the battlefield. Researchers at the Naval Research Laboratory have made significant progress in the development of advanced fire control systems, achieving accuracy rates of up to 90% in simulated combat scenarios.
Another critical aspect of integrating high energy lasers with existing military platforms is the development of advanced power and cooling systems. These systems must be able to provide the high levels of power required to operate the laser, while also managing the significant heat generated during operation. According to a study by the Army Research Laboratory, the development of advanced power and cooling systems can reduce the size and weight of high energy laser systems by up to 50%, making them more suitable for deployment on a variety of military platforms.
As tactical high energy lasers continue to evolve, we can expect to see significant advancements in their performance and capabilities. One of the most exciting developments on the horizon is the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms with high energy laser systems. These advanced algorithms can enable the systems to autonomously track and engage targets, while also optimizing their performance in a variety of environmental conditions. Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles have made significant progress in the development of AI-powered high energy laser systems, achieving accuracy rates of up to 95% in simulated combat scenarios.
Another area of significant development is the use of high energy lasers in space-based applications. These systems have the potential to provide a new layer of defense against ballistic missiles and other space-based threats, while also enabling the precise engagement of targets in orbit. According to a report by the Space and Missile Systems Center, the development of space-based high energy laser systems can provide a significant enhancement to the nation's missile defense capabilities, with the potential to reduce the risk of ballistic missile attacks by up to 70%.