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This is what happens when the Army puts a laser on an Apache attack helicopter
By Harold C. HutchisonJun. 26, 1:55 PM

The United States Special Operations Command just tested a high-energy laser on the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, marking the first time such a weapon has been deployed aboard a rotary-wing aircraft.

According to a press release from defense company Raytheon, the test was a complete success, “providing solid experimental evidence for the feasibility of high resolution, multi-band targeting sensor performance and beam propagation supportive of High Energy Laser capability for the rotary-wing attack mission.”

Matthew Ketner, branch chief of the High Energy Laser Controls and Integration Directorate at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, Virginia, shows the effects of laser hits on materials during Lab Day in the Pentagon, May 18, 2017.


“This data collection shows we’re on the right track. By combining combat proven sensors, like the MTS, with multiple laser technologies, we can bring this capability to the battlefield sooner rather than later,” the release quoted Raytheon vice president of Advanced Concept and Technologies for Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems Art Morrish as saying.

The Apache used a HEL mated with a version of Raytheon’s Multi-Spectral Targeting System, which combined electro-optical and infrared sensors, against a number of targets. The data from this test will be used to future HEL systems to address unique challenges that stem from their installation on rotary-wing aircraft, including the effects of vibration, downwash, and dust.

The Apache has had laser systems since it entered service in 1984, but the lasers were low-power systems that are used to guide AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles. A HEL will have the ability to destroy targets.

An Army release noted that the service has also tested lasers on the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck in April 2016 and the Stryker this past February and March. In both cases, the lasers downed a number of unmanned aerial vehicles. The Navy has a laser on board USS Ponce (AFSB(I) 15, formerly LPD 15), which is currently operating in the Persian Gulf.

Lasers offer a number of advantages over artillery and missiles. Notably, they are invisible, and the power of the weapon can be adjusted to handle a specific material, like steel plating or Kevlar. HELs can even be set for non-lethal effects on people.

That's cool, but how does smoke and fog affect them?

And how long does it take the laser to burn through those materials displayed?

Pretty interesting pics of the different armor it pierces. Since the Apache's primarily role is anti-armor attack I'm not sure what putting a hole in armor does for the Army? If they hit armor with a HE or KE weapon it takes the armor and crew out of the fight. Does it have enough power to slice the armor in half or does it require pinpoint accuracy of putting a hole in something important?

quote:

According to a press release from defense company Raytheon, the test was a complete success, “providing solid experimental evidence for the feasibility of high resolution, multi-band targeting sensor performance and beam propagation supportive of High Energy Laser capability for the rotary-wing attack mission.”

Is it just me or does everyone else think Raytheon needs a new person writing press releases?

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:
Pretty interesting pics of the different armor it pierces. Since the Apache's primarily role is anti-armor attack I'm not sure what putting a hole in armor does for the Army? If they hit armor with a HE or KE weapon it takes the armor and crew out of the fight. Does it have enough power to slice the armor in half or does it require pinpoint accuracy of putting a hole in something important?

quote:

According to a press release from defense company Raytheon, the test was a complete success, “providing solid experimental evidence for the feasibility of high resolution, multi-band targeting sensor performance and beam propagation supportive of High Energy Laser capability for the rotary-wing attack mission.”

Is it just me or does everyone else think Raytheon needs a new person writing press releases?

This is an interesting development but I thought the exact same thing. They couldn't have used more pontification in that statement if they tried.

They could have just said "we mounted a big a** laser on a chopper and it blasted the heck out of our targets as shown in the photos, and with pinpoint accuracy".

Today the Navy puts a laser on the Apache, tomorrow the Navy put one on a shark.

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:
Pretty interesting pics of the different armor it pierces. Since the Apache's primarily role is anti-armor attack I'm not sure what putting a hole in armor does for the Army? If they hit armor with a HE or KE weapon it takes the armor and crew out of the fight. Does it have enough power to slice the armor in half or does it require pinpoint accuracy of putting a hole in something important?

quote:

According to a press release from defense company Raytheon, the test was a complete success, “providing solid experimental evidence for the feasibility of high resolution, multi-band targeting sensor performance and beam propagation supportive of High Energy Laser capability for the rotary-wing attack mission.”

Is it just me or does everyone else think Raytheon needs a new person writing press releases?

It's defense contractor speak. They aren't talking to you, they are showing off to Lockheed and all the rest.

Sure does a number on quadcopters. Although I still like the trained raptor approach for quadcopter defense.

All the cats in Syria will chasing the red dot for hours!

New name for a boy child:

Apache Laser

All I want is a bunch of Apache's with laser beams attached to their heads, is that too much to ask?

quote:

Originally posted by Skull Leader:
That's cool, but how does smoke and fog affect them?

Or a cloudy day/night?

How about a plasma weapon similar to a GAU 8, in the 40Mw range?
Multiple rapid hits in the same area, should be far more lethal.

Apparently they haven't gotten the kinks worked out in the shark mounts yet.

quote:

Originally posted by Rightwire:
All I want is a bunch of Apache's with laser beams attached to their heads, is that too much to ask?

Geronimo!

quote:

Originally posted by sgalczyn:

quote:

Originally posted by Skull Leader:
That's cool, but how does smoke and fog affect them?

Or a cloudy day/night?

About as much as any other targeting laser coupled to every IR targeting pod. Increased distance and particulates in the air have a detrimental effect.

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:
Pretty interesting pics of the different armor it pierces. Since the Apache's primarily role is anti-armor attack I'm not sure what putting a hole in armor does for the Army? If they hit armor with a HE or KE weapon it takes the armor and crew out of the fight. Does it have enough power to slice the armor in half or does it require pinpoint accuracy of putting a hole in something important?

quote:

According to a press release from defense company Raytheon, the test was a complete success, “providing solid experimental evidence for the feasibility of high resolution, multi-band targeting sensor performance and beam propagation supportive of High Energy Laser capability for the rotary-wing attack mission.”

Is it just me or does everyone else think Raytheon needs a new person writing press releases?

Are you kidding?! What a fine example of corporate speak. One has to practice for years to make something as cool as a laser mounted on a fricken helicopter sound that boring. I bet the Army eats it up.

Lasers are so last century. When are they going to deploy mounted pulse cannons in the 400 watt range?

I identify as an Apache attack helicopter. I wonder if I will be able to get this weapon surgically attached to my weapons pylons?