Lockheed Martin's near-operational high energy laser weapon system is being delivered to the US Navy. This laser is designed to be mounted on warships and could be the next step in laser weapon 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 has been demonstrated to be capable of surveillance. These capabilities will continue to improve as the Navy develops more missions for the system.
HELIOS lasers can be installed on vessels of the Arleigh Burke Class. The laser will be able to meet both power and space requirements. However, integration with other parts will be necessary for the laser to work properly. It will be harder to install and must be tested on land. In addition, it is expected that the laser will be scaled up to 120-150 kilowatts of power.
HELIOS has been tested on Wallops Island in Virginia. It is now expected that the laser will continue to be tested on the Pacific coast 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. In May 2020, the USS Portland will conduct a laser test on a moving robot in the Pacific.
A Congressional Research Center report states that lasers could be a game-changer in naval warfare. They are more affordable to deploy that traditional anti-air weapons and gunpowder based ordnance. They don't require reloading. Lasers, unlike missiles, can be used to aim at stationary or moving targets at any time.
A laser can also be constructed at a significantly lower cost. A laser costs less than traditional anti-air missiles. Each shot is about $1. Lasers don't need propellants, and they can be attached to an electrical grid on the vessel. You can also use the generator on board if you have a vessel that has an electrical grid.
For many years, the US Navy has been developing directed energy programs. Theodore Maiman developed the first laser at Hughes Research Lab in Malibu in California in 1960. Technology has come a long way since then. The US Navy is currently in different stages with a variety directed energy programs. The Layered Laser Defense system, an all electric weapon, is one of those programs. 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.