Air Force Research Laboratory demonstrated the use of a new high energy laser weapon against multiple targets during a test at White Sands Missile Range. The test unit of the Self-Protect High Energy Laser Demonstrator shot down multiple missiles on April 23, marking a new milestone for the technology’s development, the U.S. Air Force said Friday.
SHiELD is a pod-installed directed energy laser system designed to protect aircraft from missiles. AFRL envisions SHiELD’s final version to be smaller and lighter than the system’s test unit.
“The ability to shoot down missiles with speed-of-light technology will enable air operation in denied environments,” said Maj. Gen. William Cooley, commander of AFRL.