TRW to Develop High-Power Solid-State Laser

REDONDO BEACH, Calif., Dec. 10 -- TRW has received a $21.3 million contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory to develop an electrically powered solid-state laser that puts out 25-kilowatts of laser beam power. The award is part of the joint high-power solid-state laser (JHPSSL) program that targets demonstration of the laser by the end of 2004.

Military planners see the program as a step on the path to solid-state laser weapons that could be mounted on manned or unmanned aircraft, ships, or ground vehicles. Solid-state lasers simplify the logistics of installing and managing high-energy laser weapons systems, TRW said.

The JHPSSL program calls for the demonstration of a 25-kilowatt solid-state laser with good beam quality. Beam quality is a measure of how efficiently a laser can deliver power on its target.

For more information, visit: www.trw.com