Posted on 02/04/2025 9:38:57 AM PST by bitt
The US Navy has demonstrated the power of its cutting-edge HELIOS laser weapon aboard an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer during an undated sea trial.
In a striking new photo featured in the Pentagon’s annual Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) report, the USS Preble was seen firing the high-energy weapon at an unidentified target.
It was later revealed that the laser was targeting a surrogate drone, validating its performance and capabilities in a real-world operational environment.
While the location and exact date remain classified, the report confirms that the demonstration took place sometime during fiscal year 2024.
The recent test represents a significant milestone in Washington’s efforts to develop a cost-effective, high-power laser weapon to counter advanced threats.
‘More Than a Laser’ The HELIOS (High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance) is a versatile weapon designed to counter a range of modern threats, including drones, fast attack craft, and potentially incoming missiles.
Developed by Lockheed Martin, it can deliver over 60 kilowatts of directed energy — enough to power up to 60 homes.
One of its most unusual features is its layered defense approach, enabling both hard and soft kills of hostile threats.
Hard kill means the HELIOS can physically destroy its targets, while soft kill allows it to disrupt the electronic components of hostile threats to disable contact with their operators.
“The HELIOS system’s deep magazine, low cost per kill, speed of light delivery, and precision response enable it to address fleet needs now,” Lockheed explained.
(Excerpt) Read more at thedefensepost.com ...
also see
https://vigilantnews.com/post/stunning-image-of-us-navys-directed-energy-laser-weapon-goes-viral/
Sixty kilowatts ...
That's enough to power 32 hair dryers ...
For who? King Kong?..................
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“Optical Dazzler”
Now that is great name! “The Dazzler”
“The HELIOS system’s deep magazine, low cost per kill, speed of light delivery...”
But how fast can it fire? What’s the rate of fire? (maybe I should read the article?) It’s weird they talked about all those advantages but didn’t mention the very important recharge time and how many times it can fire before it overheats.
leme know once a video is made public!...
Lasers or OK, but Microwaves destroy electronic circuitry.
Real Genius.
1875 Watts = 1.875 kilowatts.
I’m looking forward to trials with Somali pirates.
How’s it work in the fog?
Gives a new meaning to the command “light ‘em up”.
If the beam is 60kW, then there should be a DC power supply putting out maybe 150 to 200kW to run it. That would be a whopper.
I’m curious what the duty cycle is. We probably won’t get full specs on it.
It’s enough to power 60 homes if they are green, sustainable, about 150 square feet each and have no need for appliances.
Umm, can it defend against 36 Oreshnik warheads traveling at Mach 25 simultaneously? How about 5 Oreshnik missiles with 180 warheads simultaneously? Or a swarm of Oreshnik missiles carrying…
But can it make popcorn?
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