Northrop Grumman releases FIRESTRIKE: first solid-state battlefield laser weapon

November 18, 2008--Northrop Grumman Corporation (Redondo Beach, CA) introduced the FIRESTRIKE laser--the first ruggedized, high-energy, solid-state laser designed as a line replaceable unit (LRU) for battlefield applications and ready for order now. FIRESTRIKE offers a 15 kW fieldable laser and a combinable LRU building block for much higher power, based on a beam-combining architecture validated by the Joint High Power Solid State Laser program, Vesta and Vesta II.

"We are ready to deliver on the promise of defense at the speed of light with FIRESTRIKE," said Dan Wildt, VP of Directed Energy Systems for Northrop Grumman's Space Technology sector. "The FIRESTRIKE laser power per cubic foot has been greatly enhanced from its successful laboratory predecessors." He noted the FIRESTRIKE laser has been hardened for military uses but also was designed with life-cycle costs and reliability in mind.

"FIRESTRIKE is designed for field operations and simple replacement," Wildt added. "This is a rugged electric laser with power levels, beam quality and runtime suitable for offensive and defensive military utility. Combined with advanced electro-optical and/or infrared sensors, the FIRESTRIKE laser can provide self-defense, precision strike and enhanced situational awareness capabilities."

For more information, visit www.northropgrumman.com.

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