War Game Changer, Boeing's High Energy Laser Mobile Truck can shoot down almost anything

Directed Energy & Strategic Systems (DESS), a unit of Boeing Strategic Missile & Defense Systems, is a collection of development and sustainment programs for the nation’s Directed Energy programs and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) fleet. Among key Directed Energy System programs are the High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator (HEL MD), the Mk38 Integrated with Tactical Laser System (TLS), and the Manportable High Energy Laser. Boeing has developed and tested a mobile, solid-state laser beam control system—the High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator—that counters targets such as rockets, artillery shells, mortars and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Paired with a Machine Gun System, the Mk38 TLS brings a highly accurate force protection capability to combatant and non-combatant ships. Boeing’s Manportable High Energy Laser system is a rugged fiber laser that is ideal for tactical missions. Its lightweight and compact design can be easily transported or mounted on a vehicle or other platform. Boeing is invested in several efforts that promise to equip the warfighter with directed energy capabilities. These efforts include the Boeing Acquisition Tracking and Pointing (ATP) System, which is capable of handling low- and mid-power laser systems. ATP provides a tailored, integrated, cost-effective solution for homeland security and force protection. Mounted on the Avenger platform, the laser system can provide options for lethal and non-lethal weapons to counter both air and ground threats.