KBR Successfully Demonstrates First Combat-Capable Directed Energy System for U.S. Army
September 08, 2021 at 06:00 am
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KBR announced the successful completion of the Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) Combat Shoot-Off (CSO), which culminated with U.S. Army Soldiers successfully executing a series of vignettes demonstrating the capabilities of a laser-equipped Stryker against representative threats in a realistic environment. Kord, a wholly owned subsidiary of KBR, is the prime contractor and lead integrator for the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) DE M-SHORAD program. DE M-SHORAD is a fully mobile, 50-kilowatt (kW)-class high energy laser (HEL) capable of delivering sustained counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) and counter-rocket, artillery, mortar (C-RAM) firepower to the modern battlefield. The Combat Shoot-Off, which ended in late July at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, demonstrated the system's ability to maneuver and engage multiple targets at various ranges utilizing state-of-the-art technologies. The CSO also showcased the ability of the KBR team to rapidly train the Soldiers on the DE M-SHORAD prototype, using a variety of modern training tools, including commercial gaming controllers and interactive, tablet-based three-dimensional models of the system. Soldiers were first taught to operate the DE M-SHORAD vehicle using immersive virtual training designed by KBR to maximize soldier effectiveness in the vehicle. Following the successful shoot-off, RCCTO announced the program is still on track to deliver a platoon of four laser-equipped Strykers by the end of fiscal year 2022. KBR's facilities in Huntsville, Alabama have become the driving force to the U.S. Army's plans to deliver a HEL combat capability to America's men and women on the frontlines. KBR's directed energy portfolio also includes programs for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.
KBR, Inc. is engaged in delivering science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. The Company's Government Solutions segment provides full life-cycle support solutions to defense, intelligence, space, aviation and other programs and missions for military and other government agencies primarily in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The Companyâs Sustainable Technology Solutions segment is anchored by its portfolio of over 80 proprietary, sustainability-focused process technologies that accelerate and enable energy transition across the industrial base in four primary verticals: ammonia/syngas, chemical/petrochemicals, clean refining and circular process/circular economy solutions. The segment also provides highly synergistic services, including advisory and consulting. The Company provides services to a diverse customer base, including domestic and foreign governments and commercial and industrial companies.