TRW Unit Wins $20-Million Laser Contract

TRW’s Space and Electronics Group said it has won a $20-million contract to continue development of its Alpha chemical laser at its test site near San Clemente, where 40 people are employed.

The 30-month contract from the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization, which is developing a defense weapon against nuclear missiles, includes the option to extend the work for an additional 30 months for $24.5 million.

The Alpha laser was developed by TRW’s Redondo Beach space group over the past decade as a weapon to shoot down missiles in space.