Military
USS Preble's HELIOS Laser Downs Four Drones in Navy Testing
The USS Preble has successfully used its 60-kilowatt HELIOS laser weapon system to shoot down four unmanned aerial targets, marking a milestone for directed-energy weapons at sea.
Key Takeaways
- USS Preble's 60-kilowatt HELIOS laser destroyed four drones in live-fire testing at the Pacific Missile Range Facility
- The laser burned through drone airframes in seconds, marking the most successful shipboard laser weapon test to date
- HELIOS integrates with the ship's Aegis combat system, providing an effectively unlimited magazine against cheap drone threats
DE
DT Editorial AI··via navalnews.com