Lockheed Martin is providing a near operational high-energy laser weapon systems to the US Navy. This laser will be mounted on warships. It could also be the next step in laser weapons technology. Once the laser is up and running, it can destroy targets upto five miles away with pinpoint accuracy.
Although still in its initial stages of development the HELIOS weapon systems has already proven its power and ability disable targets. It also has surveillance capabilities. These features will keep evolving as the Navy develops new mission for the system.
HELIOS lasers are designed to be used on Arleigh Burke class ships. It will therefore meet the vessel's power and space requirements. However, integration with other parts will be necessary for the laser to work properly. It will therefore be more difficult to put in and will need to tested on the ground. It is also expected that the laser can be scaled to power between 120 and 150 kilowatts.
HELIOS has undergone land-based testing on Wallops Island, Virginia, and is expected to continue testing on the Pacific until 2022. During this time, the Navy will determine whether or not the laser can destroy targets at a distance of up to five miles. The USS Portland, a stronger follow-on system, will conduct a test with the laser on a moving aircraft in the Pacific in May 2020.
According to a Congressional Research Center report, lasers have the potential to be a game changer in naval warfare. Lasers are much cheaper to deploy then traditional anti-air-missiles and gunpowderbased ordnance. They also don't need reloading. Unlike missiles, lasers can be used to target moving and stationary targets at any given time.
A laser can also be constructed at a significantly lower cost. Lasers are less expensive than traditional antiair missiles. A single shot costs less than one dollar. The lasers do not need propellants and can be transported on an electrical grid. You can also use the generator on board if you have a vessel that has an electrical grid.
Since years, the US Navy has been involved in directed energy programs. Theodore Maiman was the one who developed the first laser, in 1960 at Hughes Research Lab Malibu, California. Technology has made great strides in the last few years. Currently, the US Navy is developing a number of directed energy programs that are in different stages of research. One of these programs, the Layered Laser Defense system (all-electric weapon), is one of them. It is possible that the system will operate with unlimited ammunition.
The US Navy tested mounted lasers for their ability to protect ships from unmanned boats. During the test, the laser was capable to destroy a moving target without firing one bullet.