Redondo Beach, CA. TRW has received a $21.3 million contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory to develop an electrically powered solid-state laser that puts out 25-kilowatts of laser beam power. The award is part of the Joint High-Power Solid-State Laser (JHPSSL) program that targets demonstration of the laser by the end of 2004.
Military planners see the program as a step on the path to solid-state laser weapons that could be mounted on manned or unmanned aircraft, ships, or ground vehicles. Solid-state lasers simplify the logistics of installing and managing high-energy laser weapons systems.
"This program will open the door to many new military applications for high-energy lasers, ranging from electronic warfare tasks such as blinding or destruction of enemy sensors to air defense or ship self-defense," said Jackie Gish, TRW director of directed energy technology and products. "TRW looks forward to developing these applications."
Gish added that the JHPSSL program will leverage the substantial research and development in solid-state lasers TRW has conducted for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Air Force and various other government and commercial enterprises as well as TRW's substantial investment of discretionary resources. In addition, she noted, TRW's commercial ventures in solid-state lasers provide strong experience in packaging and production of solid-state lasers. The JHPSSL program calls for the demonstration of a 25-kilowatt solid-state laser with good beam quality. Beam quality is a measure of how efficiently a laser can deliver power on its target.
TRW Space & Electronics has more than 30 years of experience in the development of high-energy lasers including the Mobile Tactical High-Energy Laser (MTHEL) testbed, built for the U.S. Army and Israeli Ministry of Defense, and the Airborne Laser for the DoD's Missile Defense Agency. TRW provides advanced-technology products and services for the aerospace, systems and automotive markets.
More information can be found at: www.trw.com.