The US military has conducted historic tests of a new laser weapon system
In February of this year, a fully electric high-energy laser weapon was used for the first time to hit a target in the form of a cruise missile flying at subsonic speed during the White Sands military training ground in New Mexico during tests under the auspices of the Office of Naval Research (ONR). The target is successfully hit. Work on improving military lasers will continue.
The laser test rig was presented by Lockheed Martin. Rolls-Royce also acted as a partner in the development of the complex.
“We have used more than 40 years of focused energy experience to create new opportunities to help combat the 21st century,” said Rick Cordaro, vice president of Lockheed Martin Advanced Product Solutions.
Presented by Lockheed Martin combat laser is being developed as one of the elements of multi-level laser defense (Layered Laser Defense, LLD). The development and testing of new generation LLD systems on semiconductor lasers has been going on for over ten years. LLD elements can and should guide and dazzle targets, disabling sensors on board and hitting enemy targets.
Fully electric weapons can reduce the cost of operation from installation to firing, as well as ensure the operation of the combat system, while on board the ship remains fuel and electricity. Such weapons are less dangerous for the crew at all stages of service, as well as increase survivability and firepower in a highly dynamic environment of modern combat.
Earlier, demonstrators of LLD Lockheed Martin laser systems on landing ships of the US Navy were able to hit drones, quadcopters and robotic boats. The defeat in the air of a cruise missile at the test site was a new achievement of the company’s developers. However, such systems will take more than five years to arm, but the direction, according to the US Army, has been chosen correctly.
