Tactical Laser System Demo

BAE Systems Inc. of Arlington, Va., has received a $2.8 million contract from the US Navy to demonstrate a tactical laser system that can be integrated with existing US Navy gun mounts. The system couples a solid-state, high-energy laser with the weapons module to provide precise targeting and counter-material disabling effects. It can vary the level of laser energy required, depending upon the target and mission objectives. The tactical laser system provides a directed energy weapon system with speed-of-light precision effects against surface threats. It combines kinetic and directed energy weapons capability. BAE Systems intends to collaborate with Boeing Directed Energy Systems of Albuquerque, N.M., on the system’s development.