Northrop-Built High-Energy Laser Destroys Large-Caliber Rocket in Test [VIDEO too]

IMRA ^ | May 6, 2004 | Northrop Grumman Corp

[yonif]

(Source: Northrop Grumman Corp.; issued May 6, 2004) [With thanks to www.defense-aerospace.com ]

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. --- The U.S. Army's Mobile Tactical High Energy Laser (MTHEL) test bed destroyed a rocket on May 4 that's larger, faster and that flies higher than previous threats destroyed by the laser weapon demonstrator.

Northrop Grumman Corporation built the demonstrator for the Army and the Israel Ministry of Defence (IMoD).

Tuesday's successful intercept and destruction of the large-caliber rocket carrying a live warhead took place at 12:45 p.m. MDT during a live-fire test of the MTHEL test-bed at the Army's White Sands Missile Range, N.M.

The large-caliber rocket is capable of twice the range, achieves more than three times the altitude, and carries a much larger warhead than previous targets. Many countries already possess large-caliber rockets. The destroyed rocket is representative of threats faced by U.S. and Israeli forces.

"The destruction of a new threat type once again demonstrates the capability of the MTHEL test-bed," said Wes Bush, president of Northrop Grumman's Space Technology sector. "We are excited about the historic accomplishments and we are fully prepared to move to the next stage of building the MTHEL prototype."

The rocket shot down is faster and has more mass than Katyusha rockets the MTHEL test-bed has destroyed since testing began in 2000.

A more compact, mobile and easily transportable THEL, the MTHEL prototype will give the Army its first deployable laser weapon system. Northrop Grumman began work on the existing test-bed in 1996 when it was called the THEL/Advanced Concept Technology Demonstrator (ACTD).

MTHEL will be the first tactical and mobile, directed-energy weapon capable of shooting down rockets and other tactical targets in flight to protect deployed forces and civilians of the U.S. and its friends and allies.

The existing MTHEL test-bed was designed, developed and produced by a Northrop Grumman-led team of U.S. and Israeli contractors for the U.S. Space & Missile Defense Command, Huntsville, Ala., and for IMoD. In addition to Northrop Grumman's Space Technology and Mission Systems sectors, U.S. companies involved in testbed development are Ball Aerospace, Boulder, Colo., and Brashear LP, Pittsburgh, Pa. Israeli companies that supported THEL ACTD development are Electro-Optic Industries, Ltd., Rehovat; Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd., Yehud Industrial Zone; RAFAEL, Haifa; and Tadiran, Holon.

In testing to date, the MTHEL test-bed has destroyed 28 Katyusha rockets and five artillery shells in flight.

Northrop Grumman Space Technology, based in Redondo Beach, Calif., develops a broad range of systems at the leading edge of space, defense and electronics technology. The sector creates products for U.S. military and civilian customers that contribute to the nation's security and leadership in science and technology. (ends)

Click www.st.northropgrumman.com/media/VideoInfo.cfm?VideoID=18# to see videos of previous trials of the MTHEL prototype against Katyusha rockets, on the Northrop Grumman website (several formats available)

[yonif]

Ping.

[VA_Gentleman]

As Eric Cartman would say, "kick a$$."

[sauropod]

Ping.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Sweet! Just a couple hours drive from here.

[hattend]

Cool!

[BipolarBob]

Forget the pony Mom and Dad, I want one of these babies!

[MJM59]

Heh, heh.... that's cool.

[hobbes1]

Yes, on top of my car, for lollygaggers, and tailgaters.

[freeangel]

Neat!

[vanmorrison]

Gort...Klaatu Barada Nikto!

[stylin_geek]

I gotta know, what happens if it is pointed at a bunker? A tank? Nope, no chance it would be tried during battle..hehehe

Also, what are they using as a power source? Some kind of capacitor discharge to run the laser? What is the charing/cycle time?

You have to think this is in its infancy, where will it be a couple of years? Wow....

[stylin_geek]

Although "charing" is somewhat apropos, it is supposed to read "charging."

[The Wizard]

very cool

[KellyAdmirer]

Set phasers on stun.

[Bacon Man]

Kick ass videos ping!

[Arrowhead1952]

Wonder if I can mount one of these on the front of my pick-um-up truck? It sure would clear the traffic for me to get home quicker!!

[MJM59]

I wonder how well it works on so called "holy sites?"

[Arrowhead1952]

Laser shoot'em up video ping!!!

[Adrastus]

I can see right now that we will have to ban use of such a weapon as it clearly gives us too great an advantage over potential foes. Along with the Neutron Bomb this will have to be permanently shelved. Look for J Carter to squeal with fear and indignation over this one too. (Another Nobel Prize??)