ARLINGTON, Va. ,
May 21,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Army Space and
Missile Defense Command (SMDC) has awarded BlueHalo a $95.4M contract for advanced Directed Energy (DE)
prototype development as part of the Laser technology Research
Development and Optimization (LARDO) program through the Aviation
& Missile Technology Consortium (AMTC).
The U.S. Army SMDC has awarded BlueHalo a
$95.4M contract for advanced DE laser
weapon prototype development
This contract enables BlueHalo's continued work to design and
build cutting-edge laser weapon systems for the
warfighter–delivering multiple prototypes with increased
automation, efficiency, performance, and ruggedization along with
improved size, weight, and power (SWAP).
"We are developing tools to win the next war so there is no next
war," said Dr. Vikram Manikonda,
BlueHalo Chief Technology Officer, "We are expanding and
accelerating BlueHalo's air defense innovations, not only with
Directed Energy technologies but with the diagnostic and
surveillance monitoring systems that enable their sustainment,
operation, and continuous improvement in the field. Our solutions
are interoperable and designed with extreme care for the
warfighter, providing the Army with a full system of systems to
mature the use of laser weapons to meet our national security
demands."
Leveraging BlueHalo's advancements in counter-UAS (C-UAS)
technologies and lessons learned through the active deployment of
its LOCUST laser systems, BlueHalo will conduct continuous system
performance improvement, research and prototyping to advance
performance and durability, and increase the lethality of
engagements against small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) and
similar threats.
"Through the LARDO program, the U.S. Army is investing in the
rapid innovation and maturation of our Nation's laser weapon
capabilities," said Trip Ferguson, BlueHalo Chief Operating
Officer, "BlueHalo's LOCUST laser systems are deployed overseas,
providing multi-domain mission success in UAS threat elimination
and force protection. We are honored that the U.S. Army continues
to trust BlueHalo to deliver superior Directed Energy technologies
and air defense innovations."
The LOCUST system combines precision optical and laser hardware
with advanced software, artificial intelligence (AI), and
processing to enable and enhance the directed energy "kill chain,"
which includes tracking, identifying, and engaging a wide variety
of targets with its hard-kill HEL.
About BlueHalo
BlueHalo is purpose-built to transform the future of global
defense, providing industry-leading capabilities in the areas of
Space, C-UAS and Autonomous Systems, Electronic Warfare &
Cyber, and AI/ML. The company develops and brings to market
next-generation capabilities to support customers' critical
missions and national security. Learn more at
https://www.bluehalo.com and follow us on our LinkedIn.
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SOURCE BlueHalo