// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
HEL
HEL stands for High-Energy Laser, which is a type of directed energy weapon system that uses a concentrated beam of light to damage or destroy targets.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
High-Energy Lasers (HEL) are directed energy weapon systems employing focused beams of electromagnetic radiation for precision engagement, neutralization, or destruction of various threats, including drones, missiles, and other aerial or ground targets, by imparting thermal or mechanical stress at the speed of light.
BACKGROUND
The Battle of Hel was a World War II engagement fought from 1 September to 2 October 1939 on the Hel Peninsula, of the Baltic Sea coast, between invading German forces and defending Polish units during the German invasion of Poland. The defense of the Hel Peninsula took place around the Hel Fortified Area, a system of Polish fortifications that had been constructed in the 1930s near the interwar border with the German Third Reich.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- High-Energy Laser
- Laser Weapon
- DEW (Directed Energy Weapon)
- Laser Defense System
- Laser Cannon
USAGE NOTE
HEL systems are often discussed for their potential in missile defense, counter-UAS operations, and naval point defense due to their speed-of-light engagement and deep magazine capacity.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to HEL.
A global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies company heavily invested in developing, integrating, and deploying high-energy laser weapon systems for air, land, and sea platforms.
Develops a range of directed energy solutions, including high-energy laser systems for air and ground-based defense applications, such as counter-UAS and missile defense.
Engaged in the research and development of advanced directed energy systems, including high-energy lasers, for military applications such as air defense and precision strike.
A leading developer of high-energy laser systems and technologies for military applications, including directed energy weapons for land, air, and sea platforms.
Develops and manufactures advanced power, energy, and directed energy technologies, including high-energy laser systems for defense applications.
A scientific research organization operated by the United States Air Force, conducting extensive research and development in directed energy, including high-energy lasers for aerospace applications.
The largest of the U.S. Navy's five system commands, responsible for developing, delivering, and maintaining ships, submarines, and combat systems, including the integration and deployment of laser weapon systems for naval platforms.
While Persistent Systems primarily focuses on tactical networking, Leidos (who acquired them) is a major defense contractor involved in the research, development, and integration of high-energy laser systems and other advanced defense technologies.