WHEN BEAMS COMBINE
are threat-specific vulnerability modules in a format common across the DOD laser community. Laser lethality is one of a number of areas in HEL technology development where the services and agen- cies work together and share data.
FINDING THE RIGHT PLATFORM Te Army has been working with indus- try on a concept for a high-energy laser combat platform to be used in warfighter experimentation. Integration of existing laser subsystems began in January 2016; within four months the Mobile Expedi- tionary High Energy Laser (MEHEL) participated in MFIX-16 at Fort Sill.
A 2-kW fiber laser system, integrated on a Stryker platform, was the first high- energy fiber laser on a combat vehicle. Te MEHEL defeated hobby-size quadcopters and some ground targets during MFIX-16. While defeating targets shows the poten- tial for lasers on the battlefield, the main objective of the MEHEL is to support the development of tactics, techniques and procedures and concept of operations for future laser weapons. Late in FY16, the 2-kW laser was replaced with a 5-kW fiber laser. Te Army designated this new 5-kW configuration MEHEL 2.0.
In preparation for MFIX-17, contractors trained Soldiers to operate the MEHEL 2.0. During the integrated experiment, these Soldiers shot down small fixed- and rotary-wing UAS—a first for the Army. Te Army is using lessons learned from MFIX-17 to make the MEHEL easier for Soldiers to operate. MEHEL 2.0 will also be part of MFIX-18.
MULTI-MISSION HIGH ENERGY LASER Te Multi-Mission High Energy Laser (MMHEL) is a technology maturation initiative starting in FY18. Technology
72 Army AL&T Magazine January-March 2018
ARMED AND DANGEROUS
A MEHEL-equipped Stryker shot small fixed- and rotary-wing UAS out of the sky using a 5-kW fiber laser in April during MFIX-17 at Fort Sill, a first for the Army. (U.S. Army photo by C. Todd Lopez, Army News Service)
maturation initiatives facilitate the tran- sition of key technologies to acquisition programs. Te MMHEL will be a 50-kW laser system on a Stryker, designed to reduce risk and inform requirements for the Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense objective capability. Te MMHEL will undergo an operational demonstration in FY21 to validate the laser system’s counter-RAM, counter-UAS, counter- battery targeting and counter-materiel capabilities.
In addition to the HEL systems developed for data collections and demonstration, the Army is conducting basic and applied research in HELs. Te basic research is focused on developing technologies for next generation high-energy lasers, track- ing systems and control algorithms. Te Mobile Beam Control System Integration Laboratory will be built to investigate, mature and verify the performance of next generation beam control technolo- gies. Tis trailer-mounted laboratory will provide the ability to collect performance data on beam control components in a variety of atmospheric environments.
CONCLUSION Te Army recognizes the many advan- tages that HEL weapon systems may
provide the warfighter and is developing HEL technologies to satisfy requirements for programs of record. High-energy laser weapons simplify logistical support, requiring only diesel fuel, which is eas- ily converted into electricity to power the laser. High-energy laser weapons also have the flexibility to defeat or affect many different types of threats, making the laser a potential air-defense solu- tion for maneuvering forces and forward bases. Tese characteristics, coupled with a low cost per shot, will provide a battle- field advantage for U.S. forces.
For more information, contact the SMDC/ ARSTRAT Public Affairs Office at 256- 955-3887 or 719-554-1982, or at P.O. Box 1500, Huntsville, AL 35807; or go to
www.youtube.com/armysmdc.
DR. KIP R. KENDRICK is chief of the High Energy Laser Division at SMDC/ ARSTRAT’s Technical Center, at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. He holds a Ph.D. and an M.S. in chemistry from Washington State University and a B.S. in chemistry from Southern Oregon University. He is Level III certified in engineering and is a member of the Army Acquisition Corps.
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