WASHINGTON — Harbinger, AeroVironment, and American Rheinmetall showcased a high-power, laser-armed Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) configuration at the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) 2026 Annual Meeting. The joint exhibit integrates Harbinger’s “Praesidia” hybrid-electric, drive-by-wire uncrewed truck chassis with AeroVironment’s LOCUST X3 30-kW Directed Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) and Forterra’s autonomous vehicle software.
The demonstration leverages the Praesidia chassis’ high electrical output capacity (350 kW exportable power) to directly energize the LOCUST X3 laser system. The integrated platform offers continuous, low-cost counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) engagements with near-unlimited magazine depth for tactical point defense, convoy protection, and autonomous logistics escort.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: HARBINGER PRAESIDIA UGV / AEROVIRONMENT LOCUST X3 
* System Prime Integrators & Software Partners:
* Hybrid Chassis Prime: Harbinger (Garden Grove, CA)
* Directed Energy Payload: AeroVironment (Arlington, VA)
* Autonomy Software Suite: Forterra (Autoonomy Engine / Drive-by-Wire Control)
* C2 Interface Integrator: Primordial Labs (Anura natural language control interface)
* Prime Demonstrator Partner: American Rheinmetall Vehicles (AUSA Booth #2285)
* Platform Mobility & Power Architecture (Harbinger Praesidia Chassis):
* Drivetrain Type: Cabless, drive-by-wire Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) / Plug-in Hybrid
* Power Output: Integrated high-voltage battery pack paired with a gas generator delivering up to 350 kW exportable electric power
* Operational Range: >800 km (>500 miles) total hybrid range; ~170 km (~105 miles) on pure electric power
* Top Speed: Up to 65 mph (105 km/h)
* Directed Energy Payload (AeroVironment LOCUST X3 C-UAS):
* Laser Weapon Power Output: 30-kW class High-Energy Laser (HEL)
* Engagement Cost: Below $5 USD per shot engagement economics
* Target Discrimination: Defeats Group 1–3 uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and loitering munitions via thermal structural degradation and optical sensor blindings
* Target Tracking & Fire Control: Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor suite with automated target acquisition and beam-pointing alignment
* Program Context & Army Alignment:
* Project Sustainment: Under an 18-month U.S. Army contract awarded to American Rheinmetall in August 2026 for autonomous resupply vehicles
* Strategic Investment: In-Q-Tel backed enterprise expanding into C-UAS, battlefield communications relay, and tactical troop transport variants
