Organization · Albuquerque, NM (ATA); Arlington, VA (AeroVironment)
Applied Technology Associates / BlueHalo / AeroVironment
An Albuquerque sensor and laser-pointing firm founded in 1975, folded into BlueHalo in 2020 and AeroVironment in 2025. BlueHalo built LOCUST, the counter-drone laser the Army now buys. McCasland was ATA's Director of Technology after 2013, which is why LOCUST's 2026 debut keeps getting tied to his disappearance.
On the record
- BlueHalo formed 30 Oct 2020 from AEgis Technologies, ATA and Brilligent.
- McCasland was ATA's Director of Technology.
- AeroVironment closed its ~$4.1B purchase of BlueHalo about 1 May 2025.
- A military laser downed a CBP drone at Fort Hancock on 26 Feb 2026, the day before McCasland vanished. LOCUST White Sands tests followed on 7 to 8 Mar.
- Army accepted vehicle-mounted LOCUST (AMP-HEL) units in Sep and Dec 2025.
Claims (3)
'Locust was developed with Neil McCasland' and he disappeared a few days after testing began.Did Trump authorize the shootdown of UFOs? (Christopher Sharp)analysisSourced, unconfirmed
Lasers are being used to lure or shoot down UAP.Did Trump authorize the shootdown of UFOs? (Christopher Sharp)anonymousSourced, unconfirmed
Scientists were killed for knowing about LOCUST or Golden Dome, or killed by such weapons.speculationSourced, unconfirmed