US unveils AMP-HEL combat laser on light vehicle to fight drones
Photo: AMP-HEL laser system (US Army)
The US Army tested the AMP-HEL laser system, mounted on a light Infantry Squad Vehicle, during exercises at Fort Bliss in Texas. The US military released new photos of the system on September 22, according to Army Recognition and DVIDS, the official resource of the Pentagon and the US Army.
Laser was mounted on Infantry Squad Vehicle
On September 16, service members from the 1st Armored Division and Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB) prepared the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) system for testing at the Fort Bliss training range.
The laser is mounted on an Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), a light tactical vehicle used by the US Army. During the exercises, military personnel assessed the system's capabilities and its interoperability with other assets used for operations along the US southern border.
According to Army Recognition, the AMP-HEL is a 20-kW-class system. Its purpose is to counter drones.
Mounting the laser on an ISV is intended to allow the military to deploy the drone-countermeasure system alongside units, rather than using it solely to defend stationary facilities.
Images of the system were revealed on September 22. In the photos, service members are preparing the AMP-HEL for evaluation during the exercises.
AMP-HEL has already been used against drones
This is not the first time the AMP-HEL has been tested in real-world conditions.
In late August, the Southern Border Joint Operational Group reported that on the night of August 26, US military personnel used the AMP-HEL to take down three drones.
According to the US military, the drones posed a threat to US service members and partners from the Customs and Border Protection Service. They were linked to cartel activities.
Thus, the current tests at Fort Bliss are no longer just about demonstrating the technology, but also about verifying how a mobile laser can work in conjunction with other counter-drone measures.
AMP-HEL
AMP-HEL is a mobile directed-energy laser system that the US Army is considering as a means of countering small drones.
In the configuration presented at Fort Bliss, the laser is mounted on an Infantry Squad Vehicle. According to Army Recognition, the system combines AeroVironment's LOCUST laser system with a General Motors Defense vehicle.
The concept calls for a relatively lightweight and mobile platform that can accompany units and provide them with protection against drones.
Mobility is one of the AMP-HEL's key features. It is important for the military to test not only the laser's ability to engage targets but also how easily it can be transported, deployed, and integrated into the overall counter-drone system.
Previously, the US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) tested Bumblebee interceptor drones from the American company Perennial Autonomy during the Falcon Peak 26.2 exercises at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona.
