. 24/7 Space News .
Northrop Grumman, UDI To Collaborate On Ground-Based Laser Defense Systems

File illustration of a ground based laser defense platform.
Redondo Beach CA (SPX) Dec 07, 2004
Northrop Grumman and United Defense Industries are teaming to provide the U.S. Army with first-of-their-kind, ground-based laser defense systems designed to protect U.S. soldiers against a variety of current and emerging threats.

The agreement combines Northrop Grumman's demonstrated leadership in high-energy laser systems with United Defense's extensive expertise in combat vehicle and armament systems integration, rapid prototyping, and manufacturing.

Northrop Grumman's Space Technology sector will lead the team as the developer of laser systems with United Defense integrating the technology on hybrid-electric drive combat vehicles produced by United Defense.

According to executives of both companies, the agreement recognizes that laser systems are becoming operationally feasible and that Directed Energy provides the Army with revolutionary systems and solutions for defense against rockets, artillery, mortars and unmanned aerial vehicles, among other potential threats.

"Laser technology is developing rapidly and operational demonstrations and systems will become reality in the near future," said Patrick Caruana, vice president of Space and Missile Defense for Northrop Grumman Space Technology.

"Directed Energy systems like lasers offer many advantages and mission utility to Army operations. We have formed an outstanding team that's committed to supporting Army forces with speed-of-light technology."

"United Defense is pleased to team with Northrop Grumman to integrate this powerful capability into our hybrid-electric combat vehicles. Our combined experience makes this a superior team to provide enhanced force protection through premier Directed Energy systems that is unmatched by conventional weapons," said Keith Howe, vice president and general manager of United Defense's Armament Systems Division.

Northrop Grumman and United Defense are pursuing ground vehicle-based laser system demonstrations that will prove the effectiveness and utility of high-energy lasers against threats and will provide critical packaging and integration activities that will demonstrate the operational usefulness of these systems.

Related Links
Northrop Grumman
United Defense
SpaceDaily
Search SpaceDaily
Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express

Massive "Raygun" Fires Up In Megawatt Last Test
Redondo Beach CA (SPX) Nov 15, 2004
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency has successfully test-fired the megawatt-class laser built by Northrop Grumman for the Airborne Laser (ABL) system, marking the first time such a powerful directed energy weapon suitable for use in an airborne environment has been demonstrated.



Thanks for being here;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once


credit card or paypal
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5 Billed Monthly


paypal only














The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.