HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Aug. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Army
awarded Dynetics, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and its partners a $10 million contract to continue
development for the next phase of the High Energy Laser Tactical Vehicle Demonstrator (HEL TVD) program, a 100-kilowatt class
laser weapon system.
Laser weapons are ideally suited to address high volume, low cost threats because of their inexpensive cost per shot and deep
magazine. Team Dynetics HEL TVD system incorporates highly reliable subsystems to withstand the expected rugged operation
conditions.
The team recently completed a System Requirements Review and technical baseline update. The next step in the program will be
the preliminary design review in January 2019.
"The HEL TVD program will be pivotal for the warfighters while they are protecting our country. Dynetics, Lockheed Martin and
our partners are providing a safe and simple high energy laser weapon system that crews can operate for years to come and across
various terrains," said Ronnie Chronister, Dynetics vice president of contracts. "We pulled
together a cross-industry leading team, which has the expertise and knowledge to understand exactly what is needed. We believe
that our solution will be straightforward and will be the type of system that will preferred by the Army."
Dynetics is drawing on the experience of systems engineering, manufacturing, test and vehicle modifications for integration on
the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV).
Lockheed Martin provides the laser subsystem, as well as other key subsystems. The spectral beam-combined fiber laser
subsystem strongly leverages Lockheed Martin's experience from ground vehicle integration gained as part of the Army's Robust
Electric Laser Initiative (RELI) program.
"The proliferation of hostile unmanned aerial systems and rockets, artillery and mortars present an increasing threat to
deployed U.S. troops. Laser weapons offer a deep magazine and very low cost per shot making them ideally suited to complement
existing kinetic energy weapons to address intense UAS swarms and RAM raids," said Iain McKinnie,
Lockheed Martin business development lead for Advanced Laser Solutions and Strategy. "The Army's HEL TVD program is a critical
step toward realizing this potential, culminating in 2022 testing of a mobile 100 kW-class laser weapon system fully
integrated with an Army FMTV truck."
Lockheed Martin has more than 40 years of experience developing laser weapon systems. The HEL TVD award leverages technology
building blocks from internal research and development projects, including the ATHENA system and ALADIN laser, as well as contract experience gained from programs such as the U.S. Army's RELI program, the U.S. Air Force LANCE program and the U.S. Navy HELIOS and HEFL programs.
Team Dynetics is one of two remaining contractors competing to build the demonstrator that will be tested in 2022. The winning
contractor will be awarded a contract option to finish the design, build and integrate the laser weapon system onto an Army FMTV
platform and conduct field testing at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
About Dynetics
Dynetics provides responsive, cost-effective engineering, scientific and IT solutions to the national security,
cybersecurity, space and critical infrastructure sectors. Our portfolio features highly specialized technical services and a
range of software and hardware products, including components, subsystems and complex end-to-end systems. The company of 1,500
employee/owners is based in Huntsville, Ala., and has offices throughout the U.S. For more
information, visit www.dynetics.com.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and
aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design,
development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. This year the
company received three Edison Awards for ground-breaking innovations in autonomy, satellite technology and directed energy. For
more information, visit: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/capabilities/directed-energy/laser-weapon-systems.html.
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin