BlueHalo Provides Full-Cycle Support For U.S. Army's High-Energy Laser System

BlueHalo, a U.S.-based provider of directed energy solutions, was recently awarded a four-year logistics support contract to provide preventive and corrective maintenance, as well as operator and maintenance team training, for its P-HEL high-energy laser systems. This newly awarded contract establishes BlueHalo as the leading system integrator for the full cycle of P-HEL systems, from prototype development to front-line operations.
BlueHalo developed the Palletized High Energy Laser (P-HEL) system in support of the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO). The system has a proven track record of successfully deploying and neutralizing small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) threats to troops and critical infrastructure.
BlueHalo CEO Jonathan Moneymaker said, "With this contract, BlueHalo will now provide our customers with comprehensive directed energy support - domestically through advanced innovation, in the field through maintenance and training support, and strategically through operational guidance and battlefield space management."
"Our industry-leading directed energy expertise and in-depth knowledge of the P-HEL system, combined with the experience gained from deployments, will truly transform the way our warfighters use laser weapon systems to counter the evolving enemy sUAS threat."
As the foundation of the P-HEL laser system, BlueHalo's LOCUST Laser Weapon System (LWS) combines precision optics and laser hardware with advanced software, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and processing to enable and augment the directed energy "kill chain."
The LOCUST Laser Weapon System (LWS) addresses the inherent need to be mobile and rapidly deployable - tracking, identifying and engaging a wide range of targets with its high-energy lasers.
In April 2022, BlueHalo delivered the first full-fledged P-HEL system prototype. The U.S. Army RCCTO deployed the unit overseas and in November 2022 it began service. Earlier this year, bluehalo's second P-HEL was delivered and deployed overseas. Both P-HEL systems were fielded for preventive and corrective maintenance to maintain operational speed and continue operating system training.
"We are pleased to continue our partnership with the Army and RCCTO in support of the P-HEL laser system," said Jimmy Jenkins, BlueHalo division president. "This program captures BlueHalo's ability to take advanced innovations from rapid prototyping to deployment to maintenance, integrating new technologies into combat systems to strengthen our ability to defend against the next generation of air threats."
BlueHalo has a long history in both laser weapons and tracking systems, and its Laser Communication Systems division is focused on developing next-generation optical terminals and critical drive solutions. Publicly available information indicates that BlueHalo has dedicated many years to providing industry-leading products and solutions in the areas of space superiority, space technology, directed energy/counter-unmanned aircraft systems (c-UAS), autonomous advanced radio frequency (RF), networks and signals intelligence (SIGINT).