According to Militaryembedded, these systems are aimed at serving the next prototype testing phase of the multi-purpose high-energy laser (AMP-HEL) program.
According to AeroVironment's announcement, these systems have been transferred to the US Army's rapid Power and Chief Technology officer (RCCTO) and are now integrated into the military's List Procurement Management Board.
In the second phase of the configuring, the 20 kilowatt LOCust laser Weapon system is integrated on the JLTV light strategic vehicle platform, produced by Oshkosh (a company specializing in the production of heavy military vehicles and tactical vehicles for the US Army and many other countries).
The new version uses a cluster navigator with a larger aperture than previous models, to improve the ability to catch and destroy targets in the air.
Previously, in September, AeroVironment handed over the first batch of AMP-HEL prototypes, including 2 LOCUST laser systems integrated on General Motors' infantry fighting vehicle platform. The company said it has provided a LOCust laser system to RCCTO since 2022 under the high-energy laser pallet program, and these systems have been deployed and used outside the US for more than 3 years.
AeroVironment said that mobile laser weapons systems are designed to protect forces against increasing threats from drones. This technology can be integrated on fixed platforms or mounted on mobile vehicles, in accordance with modern combat requirements.
The increased testing of high-energy laser systems reflects the US military's efforts to develop new defense solutions to effectively deal with the above threats at low cost but with increasingly high levels of danger.
