The US Army used a laser weapon on American soil, then bought it
In late August the US Army fired a high-energy laser at three drones near the Mexican border. All three came down. A week later the Army signed the contract to buy the production version.
AeroVironment announced on Wednesday that it has won a $464.8m award from the Army’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Fires. The company says it is the first production contract for directed energy systems in United States history.
What was bought
The Enduring-High Energy Laser programme covers dozens of LOCUST X3 systems delivered over the next few years. Each is a 30-kilowatt laser designed to work on any platform.
The Army plans to mount them on Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, with palletised versions as an option. AeroVironment says it is also studying whether the system fits on an Infantry Squad Vehicle.
The target set is group 1 to 3 unmanned aircraft, meaning small and medium drones rather than...
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