// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
HELIOS
HELIOS is a powerful laser weapon system designed for U.S. Navy warships that can shoot down drones and small boats, and also track targets with its integrated sensors.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
HELIOS (High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance) is a Lockheed Martin-developed naval directed energy weapon (DEW) system providing multi-mission capabilities including counter-UAS, counter-small boat, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) for the U.S. Navy's surface combatants.
BACKGROUND
The High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) or Mk 5 Mod 0 HELIOS is a Lockheed Martin-developed 60 kilowatt high-energy laser weapon designed to intercept combat drones, fast-attack craft, and missiles. After winning the contract in 2018, the first announced installation was on USS Preble (DDG-88) in 2019. By 2021, it was reportedly deployed onto the Arleigh Burke-class ship as part of its anti-air Aegis Combat System.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance
- Naval laser weapon
- Shipborne laser system
- DEW (Directed Energy Weapon)
USAGE NOTE
HELIOS is being integrated onto Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to enhance layered defense against emerging threats like drones and fast attack craft.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to HELIOS.
Prime contractor for the U.S. Navy's High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) system, developing, manufacturing, and integrating the laser weapon onto naval destroyers.
The ultimate end-user and key partner in the development, testing, and integration of the HELIOS system, aiming to equip its destroyers with advanced laser weapon capabilities for air and surface defense.
A major defense contractor developing high-energy laser systems and related technologies for various military applications, including naval platforms, contributing to the broader field of directed energy weapons similar to HELIOS.
A leading developer of advanced directed energy systems, including high-energy lasers for air defense, counter-UAS, and other military applications, sharing foundational technology with naval laser weapons like HELIOS.
Develops advanced power systems, pulsed power, and directed energy technologies crucial for high-energy laser weapons, including those for naval applications, as well as developing complete laser weapon systems.
Has a history of developing and researching high-energy laser weapon systems for military applications, including directed energy technologies that can be applied to naval defense platforms.
Funds and manages high-risk, high-reward research and development efforts in various advanced technologies, including high-energy lasers and directed energy systems, often leading to breakthroughs relevant to systems like HELIOS.
A U.S. Navy corporate laboratory conducting a broad program of scientific research and advanced technological development, including extensive work in directed energy and laser physics directly supporting naval applications like HELIOS.