PHILADELPHIA, PA — Attalon Inc. has shipped the first production unit of a laser subsystem designed to simplify maintenance of high-energy directed energy weapons, a development the company says could reduce downtime for military laser systems by allowing critical components to be replaced in the field.
The company reported the first production Kilowatt Interconnect (kWIC) Disconnect subsystem was produced in Bloomfield, Connecticut. The technology is designed for kilowatt-class laser systems and enables operators to replace failed laser amplifiers without fiber splicing or specialized maintenance personnel.
The subsystem addresses a maintenance challenge for operational directed energy weapons, which traditionally require highly trained technicians and specialized equipment to replace damaged fiber laser amplifiers. Attalon’s system instead allows operators to disconnect a failed amplifier and install a replacement in minutes.
“Now that directed energy systems have transitioned from prototypes to operational weapons, serviceability becomes just as important as performance,” Chief Executive Officer John Bergeron stated. “The kWIC Disconnect represents a significant advancement in maintainability by allowing warfighters to replace critical laser components in the field without specialized fiber optic expertise.”
Manufactured in Traverse City, Michigan, the kWIC Disconnect maintains optical alignment while incorporating verification checks that confirm proper alignment before a laser is activated. The company indicated the technology supports line-replaceable amplifier modules intended to improve system availability.
Matt Straup, vice president and general manager of Directed Energy & Advanced Lasers, described field maintenance as a longstanding obstacle for high-power fiber laser systems.
“Our customers have long recognized that field maintenance of high-power fiber lasers presents unique challenges,” Straup stated. “The kWIC Disconnect removes one of the most significant barriers by giving operators the ability to quickly swap amplifiers and return systems to service without leaving the fight.”
Attalon stated the shipment is part of a broader effort to expand production of directed energy technologies, including lasers, optics and related subsystems, for U.S. and allied defense programs.
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