EVERY MINUTE COUNTS
aerial systems (UAS), rotary-wing aircraft, and rocket, artillery and mortar threats. Development efforts include several Soldier touch points, including the opera- tion of a surrogate vehicle, participation in design reviews and operational demonstra- tion of the objective prototype. In this way, Soldier-centered design is already inform- ing the future of fighting with lasers.
For the past few years, the Mobile High Energy Laser (MEHEL) served as a surro- gate to the DE-MSHORAD prototypes by mounting a 10 kW laser system into a Stryker platform. Operating with a three-man crew, to date, the MEHEL has participated in a Joint Improvised-Treat Defeat Organization Hard-Kill Challenge event, a Joint Warfighting Assessment and multiple Maneuver and Fires Integra- tion Experiments (MFIX)—and boasts nearly 200 confirmed UAS kills during these events.
Held annually at Fort Sill, MFIX includes experiments and information-gathering to determine how the systems can be used by maneuver and fires forces in opera- tional scenarios. During MFIX events of
the last four years, Soldiers trained on and operated the laser system during realistic counter-UAS missions.
“It takes about half an hour to figure out the system, and then you’re good to go,” said Spc. Brandon Sallaway, a fires support specialist and forward observer from Fort Carson, Colorado, who served on the crew piloting the laser.
Soldier recommendations for system improvements, such as controller functions and enhanced radar training and tracking, have optimized the laser weapon system design for the end user before prototyp- ing. Soldier feedback from laser operations has resulted in improved training, target engagement and usability. Tese findings directly inform the DE-MSHORAD prototype design.
“Te Army’s modernization strategy iden- tifies emerging technologies like directed energy for rapid prototyping and field- ing,” said Dr. Craig Robin, director of the RCCTO Directed Energy Project Office. “Soldier touch points are critical throughout the prototyping process to
ensure the materiel solution has informed design characteristics and provides mili- tary utility.”
Soldier feedback will be fully incorpo- rated into the DE-MSHORAD prototype development. During a combat shoot-off for the prototype competitive selection process in the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, the Army intends to have Soldiers play a pivotal role employing and operat- ing the DE-MSHORAD platforms in a field environment.
Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, the Directed Energy Proj- ect Office continues to move forward on its prototyping and demonstration sched- ule. Te shoot-off will provide additional insight for the final selection of the system. Preparations are underway with virtual planning. Virtual in-progress reviews with Fort Sill, where the shoot-off will occur, are replacing face-to-face meetings and keeping the team on the timeline needed.
Implementing lessons learned from DE-MSHORAD,
Energy Project Office will incorporate the Di rected
HIGH-ENERGY STAND-IN
A MEHEL participates in the MFIX in December at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The laser serves as the stand-in for the 50 kW-class DE–MSHORAD system that RCCTO will field in fiscal year 2022. (Photo by Monica K. Guthrie, Fort Sill Public Affairs)
12
Army AL&T Magazine
Summer 2020
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