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Raytheon's High-Energy Laser Weapon System fired from UK military vehicle for first time

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Raytheon UK, in collaboration with Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), has successfully tested the High-Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) on a British Army Wolfhound armoured vehicle. This marks the first test of its kind in the UK, representing a significant advancement in the Land Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) Demonstrator programme. The HELWS, designed to counter NATO class 1 drones, demonstrates the UK's progress in adopting laser technology for military applications.

The integration of HELWS with the Wolfhound vehicle combines Raytheon's proven technology with UK intellectual property from various British SMEs. This milestone underscores the UK's commitment to enhancing its defence capabilities and fostering technological innovation in the face of evolving drone warfare threats.

Raytheon UK, in collaborazione con il Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) e il Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), ha testato con successo il Sistema d'Arma a Laser ad Alta Energia (HELWS) su un veicolo corazzato Wolfhound dell'Esercito Britannico. Questo segna il primo test del suo genere nel Regno Unito, rappresentando un significativo avanzamento nel programma Dimostratore delle Armi a Laser Direzionali per Terra (LDEW). L'HELWS, progettato per contrastare i droni di classe 1 della NATO, dimostra i progressi del Regno Unito nell'adozione della tecnologia laser per applicazioni militari.

L'integrazione dell'HELWS con il veicolo Wolfhound combina la tecnologia collaudata di Raytheon con la proprietà intellettuale britannica proveniente da diverse PMI del Regno Unito. Questo traguardo sottolinea l'impegno del Regno Unito a migliorare le proprie capacità di difesa e a promuovere l'innovazione tecnologica di fronte alle minacce emergenti della guerra con i droni.

Raytheon UK, en colaboración con el Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) y el Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), ha probado con éxito el Sistema de Armas de Láser de Alta Energía (HELWS) en un vehículo blindado Wolfhound del Ejército Británico. Esto marca la primera prueba de este tipo en el Reino Unido, representando un avance significativo en el programa Demostrador de Armas de Energía Dirigida por Láser en Tierra (LDEW). El HELWS, diseñado para contrarrestar drones de clase 1 de la OTAN, demuestra el progreso del Reino Unido en la adopción de la tecnología láser para aplicaciones militares.

La integración del HELWS con el vehículo Wolfhound combina la tecnología probada de Raytheon con la propiedad intelectual británica de diversas pymes del Reino Unido. Este hito subraya el compromiso del Reino Unido de mejorar sus capacidades de defensa y fomentar la innovación tecnológica frente a las amenazas emergentes de la guerra de drones.

레이시온 UK는 방위 과학 기술 연구소(Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Dstl) 및 방위 장비 지원(Defence Equipment and Support, DE&S)과 협력하여 영국 육군의 울프하운드 장갑차에서 고 에너지 레이저 무기 시스템(HELWS)성공적으로 시험하였다. 이는 영국에서 처음으로 실시된 시험으로, 지상 레이저 유도 에너지 무기(LDEW) 시범 프로그램에서 중요한 진전을 의미한다. HELWS는 NATO 1등급 드론을 저지하기 위해 설계되었으며, 군사 응용을 위한 레이저 기술 채택에 있어 영국의 진전을 보여준다.

HELWS와 울프하운드 차량의 통합은 레이시온의 검증된 기술과 다양한 영국 중소기업의 지적 재산을 결합한 것이다. 이 이정표는 진화하는 드론 전쟁 위협에 대처하기 위해 영국의 방위 능력을 강화하고 기술 혁신을 촉진하려는 영국의 의지를 강조한다.

Raytheon UK, en collaboration avec le Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) et le Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), a réussi à tester le Système d'Armes Laser à Haute Énergie (HELWS) sur un véhicule blindé Wolfhound de l'Armée britannique. Cela marque le premier test de ce type au Royaume-Uni, représentant une avancée significative dans le programme de démonstration des Armes à Énergie Dirigée par Laser Terrestre (LDEW). Le HELWS, conçu pour contrer les drones de classe 1 de l'OTAN, démontre les progrès du Royaume-Uni dans l'adoption de la technologie laser pour les applications militaires.

L'intégration du HELWS avec le véhicule Wolfhound associe la technologie éprouvée de Raytheon à la propriété intellectuelle britannique issue de diverses PME britanniques. Ce jalon souligne l'engagement du Royaume-Uni à améliorer ses capacités de défense et à favoriser l'innovation technologique face aux menaces émergentes de la guerre par drones.

Raytheon UK hat in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) und Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) das Hochenergetische Laserwaffensystem (HELWS) erfolgreich an einem gepanzerten Fahrzeug des britischen Heeres, dem Wolfhound, getestet. Dies markiert den ersten Test seiner Art im Vereinigten Königreich und stellt einen bedeutenden Fortschritt im Programm für landgestützte Laserzielenergiwaffen (LDEW) dar. Das HELWS, das entwickelt wurde, um NATO-Drohnen der Klasse 1 abzuwehren, zeigt den Fortschritt des Vereinigten Königreichs bei der Einführung von Lasertechnologie für militärische Anwendungen.

Die Integration des HELWS mit dem Wolfhound-Fahrzeug kombiniert die bewährte Technologie von Raytheon mit dem britischen geistigen Eigentum verschiedener britischer KMU. Dieser Meilenstein unterstreicht das Engagement des Vereinigten Königreichs zur Verbesserung seiner Verteidigungsfähigkeiten und zur Förderung technologischer Innovationen angesichts sich entwickelnder Bedrohungen durch Drohnenkriegführung.

Positive
  • First successful test of HELWS on a UK military vehicle
  • Advancement in counter-UAS technology
  • Collaboration with British SMEs enhancing UK's defence capabilities
  • HELWS certified for use in combat with US forces
  • Over 40,000 testing hours and 400 targets downed by HELWS
Negative
  • None.

Insights

The integration and successful testing of Raytheon's High-Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) on a British Army vehicle is a significant development in defense technology. This weapon system represents a leap forward in counter-drone capabilities, leveraging directed energy to neutralize aerial threats with precision. For investors, this milestone underscores Raytheon's robust R&D and its ability to bring advanced technologies to market rapidly. It could lead to increased demand from other NATO countries looking to enhance their defense mechanisms. Additionally, the collaboration with UK-based SMEs indicates a strong, synergistic partnership which can further drive innovation and market expansion. The HELWS's proven operational success with US forces boosts its credibility and marketability globally.

From a financial perspective, Raytheon's successful test of the HELWS in the UK positions the company well for future defense contracts. The defense sector often sees long-term contracts that provide steady revenue streams and this milestone could open doors to extensive procurement programs within the UK and potentially other NATO allies. Given the increasing threat posed by drones, this technology addresses a critical need, likely resulting in significant orders and revenue growth. Investors should also consider the positive impact on Raytheon's stock, as successful demonstrations often lead to increased investor confidence and stock price appreciation.

The successful deployment of the HELWS on a British Army vehicle highlights a growing market for advanced defense technologies. The ability of this system to integrate seamlessly with existing air defense infrastructures makes it highly attractive to military organizations seeking to enhance their defense capabilities without extensive overhauls. This market trend towards advanced, integrated defense solutions suggests a lucrative opportunity for Raytheon. Furthermore, the rapid development and deployment highlight Raytheon's agility and capability to meet urgent defense demands, which is a positive signal for stakeholders.

Major milestone speeds up UK's adoption of laser technology

LONDON, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon UK, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) have successfully tested Raytheon's High-Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) integrated onto a British Army combat vehicle, the first test of its kind in the UK.

This ground-breaking test, conducted at Dstl's range in Porton Down, saw the laser weapon fired at full power whilst integrated onto a British Army Wolfhound armoured vehicle. The lightweight, portable HELWS is the first laser weapon integrated on a land vehicle to be fired in the UK. 

This milestone marks a major leap forward in the UK Ministry of Defence's Land Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) Demonstrator programme. The increasing prevalence, proliferation and evolution of drone warfare makes the rapid adoption of counter-UAS technologies ever more important.

This variant of the HELWS has been designed to defeat NATO class 1 drones whilst being easily compatible within existing air defence systems, including radar, command and control and other platforms.

"We have proven that the Raytheon high energy laser weapon system can track and engage targets whilst mounted on a vehicle," said James Gray, chief executive and managing director of Raytheon UK. "The speed at which this capability was delivered is only possible due to the hard work of our British SME partners, coupled with the operationally proven technology developed by Raytheon."

The Wolfhound integration successfully fused the proven capability of Raytheon's High-Energy Laser Weapon System with cutting edge UK intellectual property from Frazer Nash, NP Aerospace, LumOptica, Blighter Surveillance Systems, and Cambridge Pixel.

"As Defence Secretary, I want to take the politics out of national security so where there is important work begun under the previous government, we will take it forward in the interest of national security," said Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon John Healey MP. "That is why we are renewing important partnerships with industry and continuing to push technological boundaries. This will drive prosperity and create skilled jobs across the country."

Team Hersa, which pairs Dstl's technical expertise with the best acquisition skills from DE&S, is managing delivery of the demonstrators and is responsible for preparing Defence for the introduction of innovative weapons systems, ensuring the UK Armed Forces can successfully exploit this potentially game changing capability at pace.

"The joint working between Dstl, DE&S and industry has enabled rapid evolution of this laser demonstrator. The successful testing of this high-powered laser weapon marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to enhance the future operational capabilities of the British Army," said Matt Cork, Dstl Programme Lead. "This technology offers a precise, powerful and cost-effective means to defeat aerial threats, ensuring greater protection for our forces."

Raytheon's HELWS is certified for use in combat with US forces, with multiple systems now in service. The system has logged more than 40,000 testing hours and downed more than 400 targets.

The next phase of testing for the UK will allow British Army soldiers to familiarise themselves with the system and refine requirements for future capability.

About Raytheon UK

With over 2,000 employees in the UK, Raytheon UK is a major supplier and systems integrator to the UK Ministry of Defence that designs, develops and manufactures defence and space products. The company is also a leading provider of training transformations services and continues to invest in research and development, supporting innovation and technological advances across the country. Raytheon UK is part of RTX's Raytheon business. 

About RTX

With more than 185,000 global employees, RTX pushes the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2023 sales of $69 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com

 

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FAQ

What is the significance of Raytheon's HELWS test on a UK military vehicle?

It's the first test of a laser weapon integrated on a land vehicle in the UK, marking a major advancement in the Land Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) Demonstrator programme and the UK's adoption of laser technology for military applications.

How does Raytheon's HELWS contribute to UK defense capabilities?

HELWS is designed to defeat NATO class 1 drones, enhancing the UK's counter-UAS capabilities. It's compatible with existing air defense systems and offers a precise, powerful, and cost-effective means to defeat aerial threats.

What is the track record of Raytheon's HELWS (RTX)?

Raytheon's HELWS is certified for use in combat with US forces. It has logged over 40,000 testing hours and has successfully downed more than 400 targets, demonstrating its effectiveness and reliability.

Which UK companies collaborated with Raytheon on the HELWS project?

The project involved collaboration with UK SMEs including Frazer Nash, NP Aerospace, LumOptica, Blighter Surveillance Systems, and Cambridge Pixel, combining Raytheon's technology with UK intellectual property.

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