The Navy has several options for a new laser weapon. The options include an integrated high-energy system with optical-dazzlers, high-repetition-range-finders, and a safe laser weapon. These systems are also capable of disabling specific targets, including those that pose a threat to the surface. The Navy will ultimately take the final call.
High-energy laser systems with integrated optical dazzler
The United States Navy is on the verge of fielding a high-energy laser weapon on a warship. The HELIOS defensive laser system, also known as the HELIOS, is capable of shooting down unmanned drones and burning boats. It will likely be used in conjunction with a Pacific Fleet guided bomber destroyer by 2021.
The high-power, laser weapon will be ready for use later this year. A low-end, non-lethal laser dazzler is also planned. Both systems will offer valuable operational experience for the Navy using directed energy weapons. Meanwhile, engineers will continue to develop the Navy Laser Family of Systems.
HELIOS system
HELIOS is a high-energy laser weapon which can be used for aerial targets. It can be used as an intelligence and surveillance tool, or as a dazzler for enemy drones. HELIOS is being looked at by the Navy as a possible option for its future fleet ships.
The Navy has a number of laser weapon systems, including the HELIOS. The family is an effort towards providing lasers that excel in combat. The first HELIOS system is scheduled for deployment in 2023. It is planned that the laser weapon will be mounted on ships, and integrated into Aegis' combat system. The laser weapon can dazzle UASs and has other game-changing capabilities.
High repetition range-finders for eyes that are eye-safe
The eye-safe high repetition range-finder (ELRF) is a laser range-finding system that uses high-intensity light radiation. It can temporarily blind enemy enemies and works over a range from 500 to 700 meters. It works by using a resonator, which shifts the wavelength from one micron to the next. It is small in stature and weighs just 1.65 kilograms. Additionally, the device has an RS232 interface which allows it to send range information out to other systems. The laser is connected to a GPS receiver in the UK.
A good example of such a system is the Vidar laser-range-finder. It can be used for ground and naval applications and has a high repetition rate and low SWaP. It is a true class-one eye-safe laser that is easy to use during training. It has an integrated boresight sensor and is compact.
Long-range capabilities
The Navy is working on a laser weapon that can be used long-range. The weapon is five times stronger than the predecessor, which has been in use for more than five decades. It is capable tracking 60-millimeter mortar round. It can also target drones in three sizes.
Multi-mission laser weapons are designed to allow it to strike targets at extremely long distances. It is expected to be operational in maritime environments by 2023. The lessons learned from the testing phase will guide future development efforts.
Cost per shot
The Navy is currently testing a laser weapon. It can destroy the engines and take out unmanned flying vehicles. It is also easier to build than conventional weapons and less expensive to operate. It costs less then $1 per shot. The laser weapon has already been tested against Iranian-style attack boats. The laser didn’t explode the boats but caused some collateral damage.
The Navy Laser Weapon System has a significantly lower cost per shot than comparable kinetic weapons. Depending on power, the cost of each shot can vary from $1.15 per 60-kW system to $9.20 per 480-kW weapon. The Navy estimates that 60-kW class lasers will cost $100 million each. A 250-kW laser will cost approximately $200 million.