The mysteriously massive device spotted outside major US military contractor Northrop Grumman being prepared for transport is reportedly a high-energy laser system called Solid-State Laser Technology Maturation (SSL-TM), The Drive media outlet reported.
According to the outlet, SSL-TM is expected to be shipped for its first sea trials in the fourth quarter of 2019. If it turns out to be true, the object will soon be moved to San Diego Pier – the homeport of the amphibious USS Portland, designated to be the test vessel for the new high-tech weapon sought by the US Navy.
US officials have not yet confirmed the information published by The Drive.
SSL-TM is expected to produce a laser beam of up to 150kW in power. The weapon, which Navy wants to install on some ships, will be tasked with destroying minor targets such as small enemy boats, unmanned aerial aircraft (UAV) at close to medium range, as well as some missiles.