directed-energy-weapons

weapons systems . . .could be a significant force multiplier, providing ‘speed-of-light’ engagement,unique damage mechanisms, greatly enhanced multi-target engagement and deep magazineslimited only by the fuel available. The use of these weapons offers the opportunity forthe strategist to select from a range of lethal through nonlethal effects to the target system. 3II.PROGRESS TO DATEThe effort to turn directed-energy weapons from the stuff of science-fiction novels into a military reality began in theearly years of the Reagan Administration. At that time it was hoped that directed-energy weapons, particularly ifdeployed in space, could provide a powerful counter to the threat posed by Soviet intercontinental ballistic missiles(ICBMs). It soon became evident that the state of the art in directed-energy was not ready to support early weaponization.Nevertheless, the efforts initiated during the Reagan years and carried on by succeeding administrations have nowreached the point that the first generation of directed-energy weapons are about to appear on the battlefield.What has been accomplished to date in preparing the movement of directed-energy weapons out of the laboratoryand off the testing range and into the hands of the U.S. military?• The Airborne Laser (ABL) is on track to demonstrate a missile “shoot down” sometime in2005. The program has been restructured to reflect a more realistic timeline. A Boeing 747aircraft has been modified as the basic weapons platform. Ground-based testing of the lasermodules will begin shortly.• The Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL) has demonstrated the inherent advantages of directed-energyweapons, particularly speed of response and rapid retargeting. The THEL demonstratorhas successfully intercepted Katyusha rockets more than twenty times. On several occasionsit intercepted multiple rockets launched in a single salvo. Recently, the THEL successfullyintercepted and destroyed an artillery shell, demonstrating yet another role for a tacticalground-based laser system.A program is now underway to develop a mobile THEL or “MTHEL.” Such a system wouldconsist of one or two relatively large vehicles that would have road mobility and could be readilytransported in large aircraft.• The Air Force and Army have serious initiatives to develop active infrared-countermeasure(IRCM) devices that would use directed-energy to defeat heat-seeking missiles. The Air Force’sLarge Aircraft IRCM is designed to protect transport aircraft primarily from shoulder-firedmissiles. The Army technology roadmap is looking at the development of a family of IRCMsthat would defeat air and ground-launched anti-tank missiles.• There has also been significant progress in the development of a first generation of highpowermicrowave (HPM) weapons. It is likely that these weapons will not be directional butwill consist of an explosively-driven HPM generator functioning much like an electromagneticpulse bomb.50 Directed-Energy Weapons and The American Way of War