General Atomics 50 kilowatt Laser Passes Beam Quality Test, to be Tested in Avenger UCAV in 2018

The Gen 3 High Energy Laser System (HEL) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. completed beam quality and power measurements of G using the Joint Technology Office (JTO) Government Diagnostic System (GDS). The testing was performed by an independent measurement team under contract to the U.S. Government.

The new laser is representative of the third generation of technology first developed under the High Energy Liquid Laser Area Defense System (HELLADS, Gen 1) program. This Gen 3 Laser has a number of upgrades that provide improved beam quality, increased electrical to optical efficiency, and reduced size and weight. The recently certified Gen 3 laser assembly is small at only 1.3 x 0.4 x 0.5 meters. The system itself is powered by a compact Lithium-ion battery supply created to demonstrate a deployable architecture for tactical platforms.

GA-ASI is looking to use the laser weapon module in the Predator C Avenger for deployment by 2018.

The Gen 3 HEL tested is a unit cell for the Tactical Laser Weapon Module (TLWM) that is currently under development. The TLWM is built for use on land, sea, and airborne platforms and will be available in four versions at the 50, 75, 150, and 300 kilowatt laser output levels.

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