// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
IFPC-HEL
IFPC-HEL is a military defense system that uses powerful lasers to intercept and destroy incoming threats like rockets, artillery shells, mortar rounds, and drones, providing protection for ground forces and critical assets.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High Energy Laser (IFPC-HEL) is a U.S. Army directed energy weapon system providing short-range air defense (SHORAD) against Rockets, Artillery, Mortars (RAM) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), leveraging a high-energy laser for precision engagements and enhanced Counter-RAM/Counter-UAS capabilities.
BACKGROUND
In air and missile defense (AMD), the Integrated Air-and-Missile Defense system (IAMD) is a United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command (USASMDC) research program to augment the aging surface-to-air missile defense systems and to provide the United States Army with a low-cost, but effective complement to kinetic energy solutions to take out air threats. Brigade level higher energy lasers are used in truck mounted systems called HELMTT. At lower levels, the Army needs to develop interceptors that don't cost more than small, unmanned aircraft systems. In early research they have successfully used 5-kilowatt lasers on a Stryker combat vehicle. The Mobile Expeditionary High-Energy Laser (MEHEL) was used at MFIX at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in the first half of April, 2017.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Laser C-RAM
- HEL C-RAM
- Directed Energy Air Defense
- IFPC Increment 2 (HEL)
- HEL for IFPC
USAGE NOTE
IFPC-HEL represents a significant advancement in active defense, offering a cost-effective, deep-magazine solution for persistent protection against evolving indirect fire and UAS threats.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to IFPC-HEL.
One of the primary contractors developing and delivering a 300 kW-class high energy laser system for the U.S. Army's Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High Energy Laser (IFPC-HEL) program.
Awarded a contract by the U.S. Army to deliver a 300 kW-class laser weapon system for the Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High Energy Laser (IFPC-HEL) program.
The U.S. Army office responsible for rapidly developing and fielding critical technologies, including the management and oversight of the IFPC-HEL program.
Leads the Army's space and missile defense modernization efforts, including the testing and integration of directed energy systems like IFPC-HEL.
A leading developer of high-energy laser systems for defense applications, including those for counter-UAS and indirect fire protection, contributing to the broader field relevant to IFPC-HEL.
Develops and manufactures advanced high-energy laser systems and related technologies for military applications, contributing to the directed energy capabilities relevant to IFPC-HEL.
Designs and manufactures high-energy laser weapon systems and components, including 150 kW class systems, contributing to the advancement of laser technology for defense.