The 11,000 sq. ft. Directed Energy Production Facility at the Space Technology sector's Space Park campus has been specifically designed for high-energy lasers and weapon system applications. The first application will be the Joint High-Power Solid-State Laser (JHPSSL) Phase 3 program, where a laser power of 100 kW will be demonstrated. Other lasers and weapon systems the company is proposing also will be produced in this facility.

"Northrop Grumman is on track to be the first ever to build and demonstrate a 100 kW electric laser," said Alexis Livanos, president of Northrop Grumman Space Technology. "This facility demonstrates our tremendous confidence in the potential for laser weapons to transform the way our nation maintains peace."

Renovations to an existing building are expected to be completed near the end of 2006. Most of the facility will consist of a high-power laser development area, where lasers of much greater than 100 kW will be produced and tested, along with other space to integrate electric lasers onto various military platforms, such as armored combat vehicles.

The facility, a class-10,000 clean room and specifically designed for laser safety, also will house two solid-state laser "sub-labs" for work on vital system components.

"This facility demonstrates Northrop Grumman's commitment to world-class, high-power laser development and production," said Mike McVey, vice president of Directed Energy Systems. "We are the world leader in high-power, excellent beam quality laser systems. This facility is testament to our long-term commitment to excellence in this arena."

Northrop Grumman Space Technology, based in Redondo Beach, Calif., has been developing and demonstrating high-energy lasers for more than 30 years.

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