The high-energy laser mobile demonstrationator helmd can send a beam to airborne targets that disarms drones and incoming mortar rounds. It is powered with lithium ion batteries as well as a 60-kilowatt Diesel generator. To track its targets in flight, it uses a bespoke set of hi-tech devices.
According to Army officials, the HEL MD engaged more than 90 mortar rounds as well as several unmanned aerial vehicles during multiple tests at White Sands Missile Range last year. This success led the Army to improve the laser's performance, with the aim of eventually increasing its power to 100 kilowatts.
This could be a significant advance in defense against hypersonic rockets that fly too fast to avoid being hit by conventional systems. The Army has begun to test a 10 kilowatt laser. It hopes to reduce it into a 50-kilowatt version, and eventually down to 100 kilowatts.
It is becoming an important weapon for warfighters as the technology evolves. Lasers can disarm a wide variety of weapons, with an increasing power. 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 is intended to be operated jointly by a vehicle operator (or weapon operator) and a weapon operator (or both). The two must work together. They will use an Xbox controller for controlling the laser's intensity, and a laptop to aim and track the laser.
In order to achieve the desired beam focusing, the laser needs to be a highly accurate aiming system. This can be achieved using 127 lenses, filters and mirrors to create a spot on the target that is as small as possible. This ensures that the laser can be focused on the target, and can produce a powerful beam of light that can destroy it.
The US Department of Defense has funded several projects that aim to improve the performance of Hel-md. 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 the evaluation of atmospheric conditions' effects on helmd's target tracking capability and acquisition capabilities. The program team tested several sensing modalities within the infrared spectrum, in order to determine which ones perform best in rainy or fog conditions.
These studies will help establish the foundation for future research on the operational capabilities of helmd and to evaluate the effectiveness of a laser weapon in meeting the requirements of the U.S. Army during 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 the system to effectively defend against ground-based missiles and aircraft.