The Army High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator beam control system passed its preliminary design review requirements, Northrop Grumman Corp. [NOC] announced today.

The laser would take out airborne threats including some missiles.

Under a first phase contract awarded one year ago by the Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Northrop Grumman completed the beam control preliminary design review ahead of schedule. The company now is prepared to complete the design, assembly and integration of the beam control system, leading up to a test in 2010.

Northrop Grumman’s preliminary design enables the integration of a high-energy laser, providing the option for acceleration to the battlefield, said Dan Wildt, vice president of Directed Energy Systems for Northrop Grumman Space Technology.

The HEL TD team led by Northrop Grumman consists of BAE Systems, Ball Aerospace & Technologies, and L3 Com Brashears.

Northrop is responsible for systems engineering, system integration, the beam control subsystem, the power subsystem, the thermal subsystem and C3I.

BAE Systems provides vehicle and platform integration.

Ball Aerospace supplies beam alignment and stabilization systems.

L3 Com Brashears provides the beam director.