Mary-Louise Hoffman
A General Atomics subsidiary has launched a project to equip a company-built military unmanned aerial system with a high-energy laser technology, Defense One reported Wednesday.
Defense One quoted Michael Perry, vice president of mission systems at General Atomics’ aeronautical systems unit, as saying the business is developing a laser module for the Avenger drone through the privately funded project.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems wants its solid-state laser to generate up to 150 kilowatts of energy, the publication reports.
GA-ASI also designed a technology to power UAV lasers as well as built a ground control infrastructure for laser-equipped unmanned aircraft, the report said.
Perry added he believes drone laser technology could also serve as a tool in close air support, aircraft defense and countermeasure operations.
