BlueHalo, in support of the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO), has developed the Palletized High Energy Laser (P-HEL) system, known for its effectiveness in neutralizing small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) threats, a pressing concern for maintaining U.S. battlefield supremacy and protecting critical infrastructure. Recognizing its success, BlueHalo was concedido a four-year logistics support contract to deliver preventive and corrective maintenance services and comprehensive operator and maintenance team training for the P-HEL system. This significant contract solidifies BlueHalo’s role as the primary system integrator throughout the entire lifecycle of the P-HEL system, from initial prototype development to frontline deployment and operations.
“With this contract, BlueHalo is now providing full-scale Directed Energy support to our customers–at home through advanced innovation, in the field through maintenance and training support, and strategically through operational guidance and battlespace management,” said Jonathan Moneymaker, BlueHalo Chief Executive Officer. “Our industry-leading Directed Energy expertise and intimate knowledge of the P-HEL system, combined with lessons learned from deployment, will truly transform how our Warfighters use laser weapon systems to combat evolving enemy sUAS threats.”
BlueHalo’s LOCUST Laser Weapon System (LWS) serves as the cornerstone of the Palletized High Energy Laser (P-HEL), integrating cutting-edge precision optical and laser hardware with sophisticated software, artificial intelligence (AI), and processing capabilities. This comprehensive system empowers and optimizes the energía dirigida “kill chain”, enabling seamless tracking, identification, and engagement of diverse targets with its potent high-energy laser.
In April 2022, BlueHalo achieved a significant milestone by delivering the inaugural mature prototype of the P-HEL system. Subsequently, the U.S. Army RCCTO swiftly deployed the unit overseas, marking its operational debut in November 2022. Continuing this momentum, BlueHalo recently delivered its second P-HEL system, which also commenced operational duties abroad. Throughout their deployment, both P-HEL systems have undergone routine preventative and corrective maintenance in the field, ensuring consistent operational readiness and facilitating ongoing operator training.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with the Army and RCCTO to support P-HEL,” said Jimmy Jenkins, BlueHalo Sector President. “This program captures BlueHalo’s ability to take advanced innovation from rapid prototype to deployment to sustainment, integrating new technologies into operational systems to strengthen our defenses against next-generation air threats.”
Image Credit- BlueHalo
