The U.S. Navy has conducted live-fire testing of a containerised laser weapon system aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, according to released imagery.
The system, known as the LOCUST Laser Weapon System, was installed on the carrier’s flight deck and used to detect, track and engage multiple unmanned aerial vehicles during testing.
According to the U.S. Navy, the trials demonstrated the system’s ability to counter drone threats using directed energy, with the laser successfully engaging targets during the event.
LOCUST is designed as a self-contained, transportable system that can be deployed across a range of platforms. Manufacturer material indicates it is intended for roles including counter-uncrewed aerial systems, surveillance support and short-range air defence. The system incorporates electro-optical, thermal and safety subsystems, and uses a network-based interface with automated tracking and engagement functions.
USS George H.W. Bush is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier displacing around 102,000 tonnes, measuring approximately 332 metres in length and powered by two nuclear reactors driving four shafts. The vessel can reach speeds in excess of 30 knots and supports an air wing of around 90 aircraft, alongside a ship’s company of more than 3,500 personnel.
Ahh but, can It flush a Turd out to Sea ?
God bless America, God bless Jesus, God bless Trump.
Thanks for the fuel prices guys.
Is this the same 20KW system used by the US Army off the jvlt?
Sounds like it. This from TWZ:
“During the live-fire event, the Palletized High Energy Laser (P-HEL) system tracked, engaged, and neutralized multiple target drones – marking a major milestone toward fielding operational directed energy capabilities across all domains and platforms,” the release adds. “This achievement validates that the LOCUST LWS is truly platform-agnostic, seamlessly transitioning from fixed-site and land-based mobile platforms, such as the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), to the dynamic and demanding environment of a maneuvering aircraft carrier.”
P-HEL has been up-rated to 26KW in certain versions, but still relatively low power.
It’s only relatively platform agnostic though due to the power requirements.
Shoving one on the back of a River B2 ( for instance) means running a seriously fat jump lead from the ships power supply surely? Or…just a thought…does it come with a big generator in the container???
In any case, I want something more Flash Gordon rather than an ugly box.
AA
The army version has a generator attached. The power supply doesn’t need to be that big, there’s some big beefy expensive capacitors in there that are charged up. The photograph has step down transformer from ships power, probably 3 phase 440V to 3 phase 110V or even 240v single phase. Gut instinct says 110V.
I doubt its very useful on a ship unless its integrated into the ships combat system. No captin is going to rely on a system that that you have no idea what its doing or if its even functioning.