U.S. Army awards first high‑energy laser contract as FAA briefly closes El Paso airspace
Based on · First reported · Updated
- The U.S. Army awarded AeroVironment a production contract for its Enduring‑High Energy Laser (E‑HEL) system, the service’s first production contract for a high‑energy laser weapon system.
- The electrically powered E‑HEL is designed to defeat unmanned aircraft systems at lower cost per shot and can be used from fixed bases, tactical sites or mobile combat vehicles, with a power supply that can replenish its magazine.
- Earlier this year the FAA temporarily shut down airspace within a 10‑mile radius of El Paso after a dispute over the use of a counter‑drone laser near Fort Bliss, then rescinded the restriction within hours due to safety concerns for civilian aircraft.
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