HELENA™

The coherent beam combination (CBC) High Energy Laser Source solution is designed to integrate into Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) systems, fit for operational use in defensive missions against drones and other advanced threats.

HELENA’s performance has been verified against targets at range and in challenging atmospheric conditions, using our scalable, high brightness architecture that can support the provision of LDEW systems across the land and maritime domains.

With low cost per shot and infinite magazine depth, HELENA can counter the proliferation of the low-cost drones and missiles of today’s warfare, as seen in conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Building on decades of experience, QinetiQ’s laser technology has been developed to combat the threats of today and the emerging threats of future warfare.

Our laser source technology has been proven repeatedly through a succession of increasingly complex real-world live firing trials against a variety of targets, demonstrating that QinetiQ’s distinctive technology in enhanced performance CBC is resilient and highly effective.

In February 2019, we delivered our first 50kW coherent beam combination source to the UK Ministry of Defence as part of the DragonFire concept demonstrator project – a collaboration with our partners MBDA and Leonardo. DragonFire LDEW systems are scheduled to be fitted to Royal Navy Type 45 destroyers from 2027.

With our investment in laser source technology and production, we are continuing expansion and development of our ability to operate as a merchant supplier of laser source technology for use in the most capable LDEW systems, both in the UK for the Ministry of Defence, and for export to allied military.