Low Power Laser Demonstrator Part Of Missile Defense Program

The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded contracts to three companies for the development of a drone-mounted Low Power Laser Demonstrator system for missile defense.

UPI reports that Boeing, General Atomics and Lockheed Martin have been selected for the development program. Lockheed's contract has been increased to $37.7 million, while General Atomics' and Boeing's contracts grew to $34 million and $29.4 million, respectively, according to the report.

The aircraft must be able to fly to an altitude of at least 63,000 feet and stay on station for at least 36 hours after flying 1,900 miles at an altitude of Mach .46. They must be able to carry a payload between 5,000 and 12,500 pounds, and generate sufficient power to operate a 140 kilowatt laser. That capacity could be increased to in excess of 280 kw.

The laser must be able to operate for at least 30 minutes without affecting the flight performance of the aircraft. It must also be capable of carrying a one- to two-meter optical targeting system for the weapon.

The drone would be used to shoot down an ICBM during its boost phase, when it is at its most vulnerable. The pentagon said that a UAV that can target them before they reach space would greatly improve the chances of intercept before they become a threat.

(RQ-4 Global Hawk image from file. It is one of the UAVs under consideration in the program)

FMI: Source report