High Energy Laser Effectors at Sea

摘要

Laser technology is evolving rapidly. The shift to tactical systems suitable for scalable self-defence - from non-lethal to full lethality - has led to technology having to adapt to a new way of operating. One key technology that aids such operations is the High Energy Laser (HEL). Navies are enthusiastic about maturing the laser technologies demonstrated by a range of recent shipboard tests, primarily in the US. After more than three decades of development and testing, the US and Europe finally look set to become undisputed leaders in laser weapon systems, capable of generating high power with near perfect beam quality. The 'new generation' of solid-state electric lasers use minimum power and therefore generate the least amount of heat, according to industry sources, offering strategic advances over traditional thermo-chemical and kinetic-based weapons.