High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance

High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS)
USS Preble (DDG-88) firing its HELIOS system
Type	Laser weapon
Place of origin	United States
Service history
In service	2019-present
Production history
Designer	Lockheed Martin

The High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) is a Lockheed Martin-developed 300 kilowatt high-energy laser weapon designed to intercept combat drones, fast-attack craft, and missiles. ^[1] After winning the contract in 2018, the first announced installation was on the USS Preble (DDG-88) in 2019. ^[2] By 2021 it was reportedly deployed onto an Arleigh Burke-class ship as part of its anti-air Aegis Combat System. ^{[1] [3]}

Operation

The HELIOS system uses a modular power and fiber-optic configuration that can be expanded to fire at between 60 and 120 kW. Besides drone and missile defense, it also performs long range surveillance (ISR) and sensor dazzling. Its purported advantages are high precision, efficient "cost to kill", and power capacity for multiple shots. ^[1] As of 2024, higher-power laser weapons in the 150 to 300 kW range are being tested against anti-ship cruise missiles. ^{[3] [4]}

See also

• Protocol on Blinding Laser Weapons

References

1. "More Than a Laser, HELIOS is an Integrated Weapon System". Lockheed Martin. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
2. Burgess, Richard R. (2022-03-31). "HELIOS Laser Weapon System Delivered for Installation on USS Preble". Seapower. Retrieved 2024-01-30.
3. Abdi, Zach (2024-04-03). "US Navy Readies 300 kW HELCAP Laser System for Intercept Tests". Naval News. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
4. Uppal, Rajesh. "US Navy developing next generation laser weapons for defending warships from ballistic and cruise missiles to Hypersonic Missiles". International Defense Security & Technology. Retrieved 2024-11-22.