ST. LOUIS, July 23 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army is taking initial steps at neutralizing incoming enemy artillery by using a vehicle-mounted laser beam.
If eventually deployed, the technology would protect ground forces against a historical nemesis that can slow down mobile forces and threaten forward operating bases.
Boeing will perform the initial phase of the High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator under a $7 million contract announced by the defense contractor in St. Louis Monday.
"We believe this is the next step for developing a weapon system that can change the face of the battlefield," said Boeing Vice President Pat Shanahan. "We consider this program an important win for Boeing because it supports a cornerstone of the Army's high-energy laser program."
The HEL TD is a solid state laser that will quickly acquire an enemy artillery shell in flight and shoot it down. The system will also work against rockets and mortar shells.
Boeing will mount a "ruggedized" beam control system on a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck, a workhorse 10-ton vehicle that currently provides heavy hauling capability in the field. The contract also had options that Boeing said would increase the program value to $50 million.
