US Navy’s Burke-Klasse Zerstörer entfesselt Helios Laser in atemberaubendem neuen Foto

From the article

>In a striking new photo featured in the Pentagon’s annual Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) [report](https://www.dote.osd.mil/Portals/97/pub/reports/FY2024/other/2024Annual-Report.pdf?ver=WLJFmx7nkeDHIuvrtKyfGQ%3d%3d), the USS Preble was seen firing the high-energy weapon at an unidentified target.

>It was later revealed that the laser was targeting a surrogate drone, validating its performance and capabilities in a real-world operational environment.

>While the location and exact date remain classified, the report confirms that the demonstration took place sometime during Fiscal Year 2024.

Also from the article

>The [HELIOS](https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/news/features/2021/more-than-a-laser-helios-is-an-integrated-weapon-system.html) (High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance) is a versatile weapon designed to counter a range of modern threats, including drones, fast attack craft, and potentially incoming missiles.

>Developed by Lockheed Martin, it can deliver over 60 kilowatts of directed energy — enough to power up to 60 homes.

>One of its most unusual features is its layered defense approach, enabling both hard and soft kills of hostile threats.

It sounds like it’s more of an “optical dazzler” (powerful flashlight) than a deathray