nLIGHT, Inc. (Nasdaq: LASR) has been awarded an additional contract from the Department of Defense's Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Research & Engineering (OUSD (R&E)) High Energy Laser Scaling Initiative (HELSI) that more than doubles the previously-announced award. The total value of the award is now $171 million.
The HELSI program seeks to leverage innovative technology to defend against a wide range of threats. nLIGHT will build upon its proven modular coherent beam combined (CBC) architecture to scale laser source power to the megawatt-class with improved beam quality, size and weight. This laser will be delivered in a rugged conex-compatible form factor with optional space allocations to upgrade with precision long range tracking and adaptive optics technology.
“Our technology’s ability to scale power and correct for atmospheric turbulence enables nLIGHT to deliver high-intensity beams that are precisely directed to long-range targets, maximizing the effectiveness of the laser,” said Jeff Barchers, President of nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems. “Our work on the second phase of the HELSI program will demonstrate the scalability of our technology and its potential to provide a decisive advantage in the battlefield.”
Scott Keeney, nLIGHT’s President and Chief Executive Officer, added, “We are proud to be part of the DoD’s strategic initiative to defend against a wide range of threats. nLIGHT has been developing high-power, high-brightness lasers for use in military applications since the company’s founding over twenty years ago.”
