The high-energy laser mobile demonstrationator helmd can send a beam to airborne targets that disarms drones and incoming mortar rounds. It is powered by lithium-ion batteries and a 60-kilowatt generator. A bespoke system with hi-tech sensors tracks its targets in flight.
According to Army officials and more than 90 mortar shells were successfully fired by the HEL MD, along with several unmanned aerial vessels during tests at White Sands Missile Range. This success led Army officials to plan to increase the laser's strength, with the ultimate goal of boosting it to 100 kilowatts.
This could be an important step in defense against hypersonic bombers that fly at too high a speed to be struck by conventional weapons. The Army has already started testing a 10kilowatt laser. Later, it plans to scale down the model to a 50kilowatt and finally 100 kilowatts.
It is becoming an important weapon for warfighters as the technology evolves. With increasing power, lasers can disable a wide range of weapons. Lasers can also be used to deflect airborne threats. The system has also been successfully deployed in maritime environments, showing that it is capable of tracking and engaging ships at sea.
A helmd can be operated by both a vehicle operator or a weapon operator. Their job is to operate and maintain the laser. The two must be able to work together, using an Xbox controller to control the laser's intensity and a laptop to track and aim the laser.
The laser must be precise in its aiming to achieve desired beam focus. This is accomplished by using 127 mirrors and lenses to create a small spot on the target. This makes it possible for the laser beam to focus on the target, and allows it to produce powerful light that can cause damage.
The US Department of Defense funds a variety of projects that improve the performance of helmd. These projects include studies that aim to reduce the weight of the laser system, improve its accuracy, and make it more suitable for the armed forces.
These efforts include testing the effects of atmospheric conditions upon hel-md’s target tracking and acquisition abilities. Infrared spectrum sensing modality testing was conducted by the program team to test which ones performed best in rainy or foggy conditions.
These studies will be the basis of future research into helmd's operational capabilities. It will also help evaluate how a laser weapon can perform in adverse weather conditions.
This project will also evaluate whether the system can engage targets at greater distances, in more environmental conditions, than other high-energy laser systems. This will enable ground-based missiles to be defeated and aircraft to be neutralized.