The Laser technology Research Development and Optimization (LARDO) program through the Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium (AMTC) has granted BlueHalo a $95.4M contract for advanced Directed Energy (DE) prototype development by the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defence Command (SMDC).
The assistance of this contract, BlueHalo can continue developing and manufacturing state-of-the-art laser weapon systems for the warfighter. The company will be able to produce many prototypes that will have enhanced size, weight, and power (SWAP) as well as automation, efficiency, performance, and ruggedization.
BlueHalo Chief Technology Officer Dr. Vikram Manikonda stated, “We are expanding and accelerating BlueHalo’s air defence 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.” “We are developing tools to win the next war so there is no next war.” Our technologies provide the Army a complete set of systems to mature the use of laser weapons to fulfil our national security goals since they are interoperable and extremely thoughtfully designed for the warfighter.
BlueHalo will carry out research, prototyping, and continuous system performance improvement to advance performance and durability and increase the lethality of engagements against small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) and similar threats. BlueHalo will do this by drawing on its advances in counter-UAS (C-UAS) technologies and lessons learned from the active deployment of its LOCUST laser systems.
The U.S. Army is investing in the quick innovation and development of our country’s laser weapon capabilities through the LARDO program, according to Trip Ferguson, Chief Operating Officer of BlueHalo. BlueHalo’s LOCUST laser systems are deployed abroad and successfully complete multi-domain missions in force protection and UAS threat elimination. The U.S. Army’s continued confidence in BlueHalo to provide exceptional Directed Energy technology and air defence advances is an honour.
The directed energy “kill chain”—which involves tracking, recognizing, and engaging a wide range of targets with its hard-kill HEL—is enabled and enhanced by the LOCUST system, which blends cutting-edge software, artificial intelligence (AI), and processing with precise optical and laser hardware.
