Lockheed Martin modernizes the most powerful laser weapon HELSI and increases its power
Lockheed Martin plans to modernize the HELSI laser weapon. The company is preparing to make it more lethal by increasing its power by 66%.
HELSI is an acronym for High Energy Laser Scaling Initiative. In September last year, Lockheed Martin officially announced the transfer of its most powerful laser weapon to the US Department of Defense and announced the delivery of the IFPC-HEL demonstration unit.
The advantages of laser weapons are the low cost of a shot and reduced indirect damage during firing and when the target is hit. The HELSI has a power of 300 kW, which is six times higher than the HELIOS laser. It was installed on the USS Preble last year.
Lockheed Martin recently announced on its official website plans to increase the capacity of HELSI from the current 300 kW to 500 kW. The modernization will increase the efficiency and quality of the laser, as well as reduce the risks associated with the use of the new technology.
