The threat of supersonic missiles is a serious threat to the U.S. army and its allies. These missiles, capable of traveling at speeds five times faster than sound, can overcome most missile defenses. Lasers are able to destroy these missiles, and stop them from reaching their targets.
Lasers are the ultimate weapon in a battle against hypersonic missiles. They fire at light speeds, so they don't lose momentum. They are also capable of hitting targets thousands of miles away. This makes them useful in defense against unpredictable weapons such as drones. While lower-powered lasers can confuse drones' optical sensors, high-powered lasers can burn them up. They do not require ammunition, unlike traditional missiles.
Lockheed Martin and Rolls Royce developed a 100-kilowatt system to destroy cruise missiles while in flight. This system is being tested at the Porton Down defence labs. It's also being fielded on some destroyers. The Navy hopes to have its own tactical laser weapon within the next few years. A new report shows that clouds of small particles floating in the sky could also be used to protect against hypersonic attacks.
The Pentagon has begun developing directed energy technologies, which will allow them to counter hypersonic missiles. The Missile Defense Agency will supervise the entire process. Michael Griffin, the agency's undersecretary for research and engineering, expects future budgets to provide funds for laser technology.
The ability to overcome atmospheric disturbances is a key component of any laser weapon. In addition to temperature gradients, the atmosphere can affect the propagation of the beam. For example, a laser may not be able to reach a target because of a cold airstream. Stabilization is necessary to overcome this problem. LLD's beam control system uses adaptive opticals to keep the laser beam in target. These techniques ensure that the laser can maintain its focus in spite of atmospheric disturbances.
Another key capability of a laser is that it doesn't explode when it hits a target. Unlike conventional missiles, a laser can hit a target thousands of kilometers away and fire thousands of times. The laser's power can destroy a hypersonic weapon before it reaches its target.
The Pentagon estimates that it would take a 1-megawatt light source to bring down a hypersonic rocket. Because hypersonic missiles travel so fast, it is necessary to target them accurately. As a result, the Pentagon is looking at ways to develop a laser capable of destroying these hypersonic missiles.
While the Pentagon has decided not to continue researching specialized gun-launched guided projectiles, the Pentagon is betting on laser defense technology. Lasers have proven to be more accurate that rail guns. Lasers are more accurate than rail guns because they don't lose speed or intensity as you move farther away.
Four prototypes for lasers will be available to test at the end FY24. The Airborne High Energy Laser will become part of the AC-130J Ghostrider gunship. It's expected to be a major addition to the Navy's arsenal of missile defenses. As an alternative to hypersonics, the Army's Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense has been considered.