High Energy Liquid Laser Area Defense System (HELLADS)

Program Manager: Mr. Don Woodbury

Overview

The goal of the High Energy Liquid Laser Area Defense System (HELLADS) program is to develop a high-energy laser weapon system (~150 kW) with an order of magnitude reduction in weight compared to existing laser systems. With a weight goal of less than 5 kg/kW, HELLADS will enable high-energy lasers (HELs) to be integrated onto tactical aircraft and UAVs and will significantly increase engagement ranges compared to ground-based systems. This program initiative will investigate and validate a revolutionary laser design that enables a lightweight HEL weapon system. HELLADS will design, fabricate and test a prototype laser. A laboratory demonstration of key performance parameters will be performed, followed by the fabrication and testing of a subscale HEL laser. Once key weapon system parameters have been demonstrated, a full-scale 150 kW HEL weapon system will be fabricated and demonstrated. Finally, the 150 kW HEL will be integrated into a surrogate aircraft and key performance parameters will be demonstrated.

Program Plans

• Conduct key technology demonstrations of resonator stability, laser gain, and system thermal performance.
• Develop and test a 15 kW sub-scale HEL system.
• Complete detailed design and initiate construction of 150 kW laser weapon system.
• Demonstrate performance of a 150 kW HEL system in a ground test.
• Integrate HEL system into surrogate aircraft.
• Demonstrate performance of a 150 kW HEL system in captive flight test.

Last Updated 05/09/05