How Directed Energy Benefits the Army
Abstract
Directed energy, primarily through use of high-energy lasers (HELs), has already demonstrated significant capability to meet Army needs, and current developments indicate there are future applications for HELs in numerous and varied mission areas. HELs convert energy from chemical or electrical sources, for example, into intense, focused radiation that when directed onto targets will render them incapable of continuing their intended mission. There are multiple mechanisms for causing a kill. There are also multiple attributes of laser weapons, the majority of which are due to the intensity and speed-of-light transmission of the laser beam. There are a large number of HEL targets and applications in addition to those already indicated. These include, but are not limited to, reconnaissance and combat UAVs, cruise missiles, aircraft, battlefield optics/sensors, ballistic missiles, surface-to-air munitions, pop-up helicopters, and satellites. Specific Army HEL efforts include: (1) Mobile Tactical HEL (MTHEL) program, (2) the Airborne Tactical Laser Advanced Concept and Technology Demonstration (ACTD), and (3) the Zeus demonstration. HEL development programs are making significant advancements. With the fulfillment and implementation of these developments, HELs can provide a significant contribution to Army missions by providing broad capabilities. They can support force protection and enable the objective force to act first. HELs also can support precision strikes with minimal collateral damage. Significant progress has been made towards fielding HEL systems. The THEL ACTD made significant progress in weight and size reduction over earlier HELs, and demonstrated assured kills of RAM. The goal of the MTHEL program is to provide a mobile system more capable than THEL.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA433309
Entities
People
- D. B. Langille
- J. K. Souder