Raytheon Technologies Unveils Its Fourth Advanced Laser Weapon for Air Force Readiness

Last autumn, the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center alongside Raytheon Technologies proficiently evaluated the Air Force’s inaugural palletized high-energy laser weapon over the course of four days during continuous live-fire drills at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

This innovative palletized laser weapon marks the first 10-kilowatt laser engineered to U.S. military standards in a self-contained setup, allowing it to be transported and positioned wherever necessary. Referred to as “H4,” it represents the fourth operational laser weapon system delivered by Raytheon Technologies to the Air Force and is the eighth overall system provided to the United States Department of Defense.

The palletized laser weapon, designed to safeguard personnel and assets from low-altitude aerial threats, successfully cleared the Air Force’s Test and Assessment protocol. This assessment involved numerous days of live-fire operations to acquire, engage, track, and neutralize drone targets through scenarios involving short-range confrontations, swarm assaults, and extended-range threats.

“Wherever the Air Force identifies a drone threat, they now possess four reliable laser weapons that can be deployed to mitigate asymmetric dangers,” stated Michael Hofle, senior director of High-Energy Lasers at Raytheon Technologies. “Whether stationed at a permanent spot, mounted on a flatbed, or set up in a pickup, these laser systems are compact, robust, and ready for action. This is why we are honored to assist the Air Force in equipping their personnel in the field with this cutting-edge technology, ensuring they can trust and have confidence in the system’s performance.”

Compact enough to fit in the cargo area of a pickup truck, the laser weapon system features a high-energy laser weapon module, a long-range EO/IR sensor that also acts as the beam director, thermal management systems, internal electrical power, and targeting software—all ingeniously integrated for use in the most challenging combat conditions. It operates via a laptop and a video game-style controller, and integrates seamlessly with a wide spectrum of existing air defense and command-and-control frameworks, adding a crucial layer of protection.

The palletized laser weapon system was manufactured at the world’s first laser weapon production facility in McKinney, Texas, and was handed over to the Life Cycle Management Center merely nine months after the order placement.