Raytheon Hands Air Force First Laser Weapon Against UAS Threats

Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) has turned over a high-energy laser system the U.S. Air Force will use to engage and neutralize rogue unmanned aerial systems.

USAF plans to field the laser weapon overseas for year-long operator training and system test activities aimed at demonstrating the effectiveness of the technology in real-world settings, Raytheon said Tuesday.

The company received a $23.8M contract earlier this year to build two high-energy laser prototypes for use in the service branch’s counter-UAS field experiments.

HELWS employs an electro-optical/infrared sensor, called the Multi-spectral Targeting System, and works to deliver multiple laser shots. The system is designed to operate with a single charge via the 220-volt outlet or in conjunction with a generator.

Raytheon integrated the laser onto an all-terrain vehicle.

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