BAE Systems has received a $2.8 million contract from the US Navy to demonstrate a tactical laser system (TLS) that can be integrated with existing US Navy gun mounts. The Tactical Laser System couples a solid-state, high-energy laser weapon module with the Mk-38 machine gun system. The addition of a laser affords extremely precise targeting and counter-material disabling effects, all within the existing footprint of the Mk-38 mount. (Image: BAE Systems for Navy) The TLS couples a solid-state, high-energy laser with the weapons module to provide extremely precise targeting and counter-material disabling effects. The system can also scale the level of energy delivered according to the target and mission objectives. “The Tactical Laser System provides a 21st century-directed energy weapon system with speed-of-light precision effects against surface threats,” said Mark Signorelli, vice president and general manager of weapon systems for BAE Systems. “The TLS is revolutionary because it combines kinetic and directed energy weapons capability.” BAE Systems intends to collaborate with Boeing Directed Energy Systems of Albuquerque, N.M., on the system's development. For more information, visit: www.baesystems.com