AeroVironment (AV) has successfully delivered two additional LOCUST laser weapon systems to the U.S. Army as part of the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) initiative. This initiative, contracted with AV’s subsidiary BlueHalo in 2023, aims to enhance protection for small ground units against aerial drone threats through ongoing prototyping efforts.
The newly delivered LOCUST systems are mounted on Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicles and are equipped with a robust 20-kilowatt beam alongside a larger aperture director designed to increase lethality. This development follows the Army’s acceptance of the initial two laser weapons for the AMP-HEL project, which took place last September. The first two systems featured a smaller director but operated within the same 20-kilowatt class, and were integrated with the GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle for operational use.
Mary Clum, president of space, cyber, and directed energy at AeroVironment, emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering efficient and proven modular laser weapon systems. She highlighted that these systems are designed to perform under real-world threat conditions and effectively protect ground troops. Clum described the LOCUST as a “cost-effective, rugged, precise, and scalable solution” tailored to confront the evolving threats posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in contemporary combat environments. She reiterated the company’s focus on advancing these capabilities while scaling manufacturing efforts to meet rising demand.
The LOCUST platform boasts unique capabilities for drone detection and tracking using multi-band radio frequency technology, ensuring that dismounted troops remain secure in the field. The system features 360-degree scanning capability and offers the option to integrate additional cameras, enhancing situational awareness from various angles.
Employing a high-powered optical laser, the LOCUST system can effectively disable enemy drones mid-air, impacting both attack and reconnaissance operations. John Garrity, vice president of the directed energy business unit at AV, reinforced the sentiment that directed energy technology has transitioned from concept to a reliable force-protection capability. He pointed out that with LOCUST’s advanced target acquisition, tracking functionalities, and precision beam control, warfighters now have access to a dependable solution that addresses the significant and evolving challenges of modern warfare.
