AV supplies first US Army AMP-HEL laser prototypes
AeroVironment (AV) has completed the delivery of the initial two mobile counter-uncrewed aircraft system (C-UAS) prototype Laser Weapon Systems (LWS) to the US Army.
These systems are a part of the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) prototyping initiative’s Increment 1.
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The prototypes were supplied to the US Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO).
The delivered AMP-HEL prototype units incorporate AeroVironment’s 20kW-class LOCUST Laser Weapon System on the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) platform by General Motors Defense.
AV’s Space & Directed Energy Group senior vice president Mary Clum said: “This milestone marks a major step forward in the Army’s pursuit of fieldable directed energy capabilities.
“Through the AMP-HEL programme, AV is delivering our extensively validated LOCUST laser system–a technically sophisticated solution that has demonstrated reliability and operational readiness for the C-UAS fight. We are honoured to support the US Army RCCTO and, together, accelerate warfighter access to these critical capabilities.”
AeroVironment said the prototypes were put through tests at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona following assembly at its Directed Energy manufacturing site in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The evaluation process was designed to assess various aspects such as performance, mobility, safety, and effectiveness.
US Army personnel received training on the new equipment at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, preparing them for potential deployment of directed energy tools, stated the company.
According to AV, feedback from soldiers is currently informing continuous improvements to align with warfighter needs and the evolving nature of threats.
The AMP-HEL project aligns with the US Army’s overarching strategy to swiftly advance and deploy directed energy solutions capable of neutralising diverse threats, including drones.
In October 2025, AeroVironment plans to deliver an additional two prototypes under the second increment of AMP-HEL effort.
These will include Joint Light Tactical Vehicles equipped with 20kW class LOCUST Laser Weapon Systems, radar, and command-and-control systems.
