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Northrop Grumman Corporation has successfully delivered a tactical-scale, miniaturised, high-energy laser system for the US government.
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Northrop Grumman’s laser is ruggedised for field use and miniaturising it allows for rapid placement in tactical situations.
The 10kW class high-energy laser, known as Phantom, is about 12 cubic feet (nearly the size of a mini fridge).
Robert Fleming, vice-president and general manager, strategic space systems, Northrop Grumman, said, “By miniaturising this advanced capability, we are expanding the reach of our technology and continuing to lead the way in high-energy lasers.”
Weighing less than 200 pounds (90.7 kilograms) allows the laser system to be lifted, carried, and installed by as few as two people.
The Phantom customer will integrate it with other subsystems for testing and delivery to military customers.
“Northrop Grumman is using its expertise in directed energy to deliver an extremely compact, lightweight and efficient laser for the warfighter,” Fleming added.
Northrop Grumman has been developing advanced laser technology for the last 50 years, including:
- Advanced targeting and tracking using machine learning;
- Modularised architectures;
- Scalable subsystems;
- Low size, weight, power and cost;
- Rugged components and materials; and
- Miniaturised systems with high-power output.
