Dynetics has received a $130 million deal to develop and test a 100 kilowatt laser for the Army, the company said Wednesday.
The Army has tapped the company and a team of partners, including Lockheed Martin
[LMT], to build the new laser for its High Energy Laser Tactical Vehicle Demonstrator (HEL TVD) program.
“High energy laser weapons have been a system that the United States has wanted to add into their defense portfolio since the invention of the laser. We are glad to be selected to build this new and safe weapon system that will provide a simple, yet cost-effective approach in theater,” Ronnie Chronister, Dynetics’ senior vice president of contracts, said in a statement.
The new laser weapon system will eventually be integrated on Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles for testing at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
The company’s offering has already passed a preliminary design review with plans to move toward a critical design review in the near future, which will include orders for long-lead materials, according to Dynetics officials.
Dynetics is responsible for final assembly and integration of the new laser weapon system, and Lockheed Martin will provide the laser weapon subsystem.
“Our research and development continue to reduce technical and operational risks, and those advancements will directly contribute to Team Dynetics delivering a ruggedized, safe, and effective demonstrator for the Army’s HEL TVD program,” Tyler Griffin, Lockheed Martin’s director of laser and sensor systems, said in a statement.
Rolls-Royce is also a partner in the project and will design the integrated power and thermal management system.