Albuquerque, NM--The Directed Energy Systems (DES) division of Boeing [NYSE: BA] signed a teaming agreement with BAE Systems (Arlington, VA) to develop the Mk 38 Mod 2 Tactical Laser System for kinetic and laser defense of U.S. Navy ships; Boeing is a subcontractor to BAE Systems under this contract. The Mk 38 Mod 2 Tactical Laser System couples a solid-state high-energy laser weapon module with the operational Mk 38 Machine Gun System, bringing high-precision accuracy against surface and air targets such as small boats and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and delivering different levels of laser energy, depending on the target and mission objectives.
Boeing and BAE Systems have been working together for the past two years to develop this capability. In 2010, Boeing DES conducted two experiments in the field to demonstrate the system's ability to track surface targets and maintain a laser aimpoint with high precision.
Boeing says that the Mk 38 Mod 2 Tactical Laser System project unites Albuquerque-based Boeing DES—the industry leader in directed energy and acquisition, pointing and tracking systems—with BAE Systems, a leading designer and supplier of major shipboard armaments to the U.S. Navy. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 65,000 employees worldwide.
SOURCE: Boeing; http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1854
