AeroVironment (AV) has delivered the first two prototype Laser Weapon Systems (LWS) under the U.S. Army’s Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) program. The systems were handed over to the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) as part of the program’s initial phase.
The prototypes integrate AV’s 20kW-class LOCUST laser with the General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), providing a mobile counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) capability.
“This milestone marks a major step forward in the Army’s pursuit of fieldable directed energy capabilities,” said Mary Clum, Senior Vice President for AV’s Space & Directed Energy Group. “Through the AMP-HEL program, AV is delivering our extensively validated LOCUST laser system–a technically sophisticated solution that has demonstrated reliability and operational readiness for the C-UAS fight. We are honored to support the U.S. Army RCCTO and, together, accelerate warfighter access to these critical capabilities.”
After integration at AV’s Directed Energy facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the systems underwent government acceptance testing at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. Tests assessed performance, mobility, safety, and lethality. Army units later conducted training with the equipment at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where soldier feedback was incorporated into ongoing improvements.
The AMP-HEL program is part of the Army’s broader modernization effort to develop and field directed energy systems against drones and other aerial threats. Mounting the systems on lightweight and mobile ISV platforms is intended to ensure flexibility and expeditionary use.
AV will deliver the second increment of AMP-HEL prototypes next month. That phase includes two Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) equipped with a LOCUST laser, radar, and command-and-control systems.
“The need for these systems from real world events is clear: the time is now for directed energy to get into the hands of warfighters everywhere and we are confident that LOCUST meets that need,” said John Garrity, Vice President of Directed Energy Systems at AV. “AV is committed to supporting the Army’s modernization and modularity priorities. We stand ready to meet the mission need through full-scale manufacturing of our LOCUST laser systems, including AMP-HEL and other mobile and fixed-site platforms, to increase lethality and continue to build on our extensively validated reliability and precision tracking and targeting technology to address the evolving threats.”
