HUNTSVILLE, Ala., June 28 (UPI) -- Integration of key components for the U.S. Army's High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator has been completed by Boeing.
Integration included installation of the Beam Control System and critical hardware onto the Oshkosh Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck, HEL TD's vehicle platform, and paves the way for low-power system testing at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico in the final quarter of this year.
The tests will demonstrate the system's ability to acquire, track and target moving projectiles.
"Now that HEL TD is fully assembled, we are ready to take this program from the lab into the field for real-world tests," said Mike Rinn, vice president, Boeing Directed Energy Systems. "Our team is eager to demonstrate the ultra-precision, speed-of-light benefits of multi-mission directed energy technologies, which will help the Army effectively and efficiently counter a variety of threats including rockets, artillery, mortars and UAVs.
"Boeing is committed to providing this advanced capability to the warfighter, and we appreciate the confidence that the Army has shown in our efforts on this program."
In operation, HEL TD will acquire, track and select an aimpoint on a target. Next, the system will receive the laser beam from the HEL TD laser device, reshape and align the beam, and then focus it on the target.
The system includes mirrors, high-speed processors and high-speed optical sensors.
HEL TD is a cornerstone of the Army's high-energy laser program and will support the transition of directed energy technologies to Army acquisition programs.
