Textron Defense Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, yesterday announced the creation of a Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) business line led by Dr. John Boness to focus on the development of the company’s laser technologies.

Laser research and development at Textron Defense Systems spans four decades stretching back to the Avco Everett Research Laboratory, which became part of Textron Defense Systems in 1984. “We are positioned well as a competitor in this market and have had significant success of late with contract awards for the Joint High Powered Solid State Laser (J-HPSSL) program funded by the Joint Technology Office and administered by the Army Space & Missile Defense Command, as well as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) High Energy Liquid Laser Area Defense System (HELLADS) programs,” said Dr. Boness, vice president of DEW at Textron Defense Systems.

Textron Defense Systems’ laser expertise provides the foundation for this business line and solidifies the company’s position in the emerging DEW market. “We’re looking over the horizon at the future of weapons systems and directed energy has been identified as an area of interest by the U.S. Department of Defense,” said Textron Defense Systems Sr. Vice President and General Manager Mark Catizone. “Directed Energy Laser
Weapons is an evolving technology, and with solid state laser technology developing toward more compact systems we believe that practical application will be achieved in the near future.”

Dr. Boness brings to the DEW business line more than 30 years experience in technical, business development and management positions with Textron Defense Systems and Avco, covering a broad range of military research and development programs. He has specialized in the development of high power lasers for weapon systems, surveillance, communications and missile countermeasures.