In leading countries, various types of laser weapons are now being developed, designed to solve certain problems. Such weapons have great potential in the context of combating air targets and can be used in military air defense. In the United States, several projects of systems of this kind have already been created, and some of them are already approaching adoption.
History of the issue
The United States has been dealing with various types of combat lasers for a long time. The first such projects were created in the interests of missile defense and gave some results. Subsequently, the direction of air defense and missile defense combat lasers was developed, and it is to this that a significant part of modern projects belongs.
In the course of research and testing, it was shown that combat lasers are capable of fighting various air targets. By acting on a structure or devices, it is possible to counteract and strike aircraft or helicopters, cruise and ballistic missiles, and even artillery shells.
In modern projects of laser protection systems, the solution of the maximum possible range of tasks is envisaged. The new complexes are designed to destroy all types of aircraft, weapons, etc. Thus, we are talking about the unification of air defense, missile defense and protection against artillery.
Stryker MEHEL
One of the latest developments in the field of laser air defense is the Stryker MEHEL (Mobile Expeditionary High Energy Laser) complex. This project was the result of collaboration between several organizations that supplied various components and devices. The complex has already passed tests, incl. with deployment at foreign bases.
The MEHEL complex is built on a Stryker wheeled chassis. The necessary equipment is mounted in the car. A pull-out unit with a 5 kW laser is installed in the upper part of the body. There are also optical devices for observation and search for targets.
Thanks to the use of a unified chassis, the Stryker MEHEL complex can move and work in the same order with other equipment of the US ground forces. In addition, the installation of new equipment does not require a major restructuring of the chassis, which to a certain extent facilitates production and operation.
According to current plans, the MEHEL complex will be an addition to the existing air defense systems of the US Army. "Traditional" anti-aircraft systems will continue to fight aircraft, helicopters and guided weapons. The laser combat vehicle will have to take on all the other tasks. It must deal with small UAVs, aircraft weapons and artillery shells. The combined use of laser and missile technology should increase the security of troops.
The Stryker MEHEL complex has already passed field tests and was tested in military conditions, incl. at foreign landfills. The debugging continues, but should be completed soon. The launch of serial production and deployment to the troops is scheduled for 2021.
Boeing CLaWS
The CLaWS / CLWS (Compact Laser Weapon System) developed by Boeing is approaching for service. Factory tests have long been completed, now the system is being tested in the troops. The Army and the Marine Corps are showing interest in this complex. Curiously, the CLWS has every chance of becoming the first US ILC laser weapon.
As the name suggests, CLaWS is small in size and simple in design. The main elements of the complex are a power supply unit, a compact emitter and a control panel. Devices of minimum dimensions and weight can be mounted on different chassis. The US Army wants to receive laser systems on the JLTV chassis, and the ILC has not yet decided on the carrier.
CLaWS will be tasked with combating light drones and artillery shells. Also, with the help of this complex, it will be possible to counteract the work of enemy aircraft. A laser of unnamed power will have to "blind" the optics of aircraft or burn through their glider.
As in the case of MEHEL, the CLaWS product on a self-propelled chassis is considered as an addition to other military air defense systems. The use of the JLTV platform or any other base will allow the laser complex to be operated in different parts and connections.
Northrop Grumman M-SHORAD
In parallel with the testing of finished equipment, completely new samples are being developed. Another such project has recently received the approval of the army and entered a new stage.
In early August, the Pentagon and Northrop Grumman signed an agreement to complete the development, construction and testing of the M-SHORAD complex. According to the terms of the contract and technical requirements, this system will be built on the Stryker chassis and will receive a multipurpose laser with increased power. Development should be completed in the shortest possible time and with the widespread use of ready-made components.
In terms of architecture and tasks, the M-SHORAD product should be similar to the existing Stryker MEHEL complex. In this case, other requirements are imposed on the characteristics - a 50 kW laser should be used. The appearance of a finished sample is expected in the coming years.
It is expected that an increase in laser power will give significant advantages over existing systems. M-SHORAD will be able to fight not only with light UAVs and artillery shells, but also with more complex and durable targets. The 50-kilowatt laser will ensure the destruction of aircraft and helicopters at distances of kilometers. Depending on various conditions, the complex will damage the target structure or interfere with the operation of its optics.
Lockheed Martin / Dynetics HEL TVD
An even more powerful sample of laser weapons for combating air targets is being developed as part of the High Energy Laser Tactical Vehicle Demonstrator project. In the spring of this year, the Pentagon reviewed several project proposals and chose the most successful one. The contract for the development and construction of HEL TVD was awarded to Lockheed Martin and Dynetics.
The project of the two companies provides for the construction of a mobile laser air defense complex on the chassis of an FMTV truck. The van body of the car contains all the necessary equipment, incl. pull-out block of the emitter. According to the terms of reference, the HEL TVD complex must carry a 100 kW laser. In addition to the laser, the complex must carry means of detection and guidance, as well as communication systems for receiving external target designation.
The Lockheed Martin / Dynetics HEL TVD project has gone through the early stages and is now undergoing technical design. In 2022, it is planned to build and test the first prototype. Then the question of adopting equipment for service will be decided.
As with the M-SHORAD, the HEL TVD high-power combat laser is designed to engage a wide range of air targets at different distances and in different conditions. The expected high performance will make it possible not only to supplement, but also to replace anti-aircraft systems with missile or artillery weapons.
Direction prospects
To date, many projects of promising combat lasers for various purposes have been created in the United States. In recent years, special attention has been paid to ground complexes capable of strengthening military air defense. There are already several similar samples, and new ones should be tested in the coming years.
The use of advanced developments in military air defense is fully justified and expected. Forward-looking solutions must be applied in all areas where they can be useful. In the context of the defense of troops on the march or in positions, laser weapons are capable of realizing their full potential. It is capable of countering attacks from the air and hitting a wide range of targets, and also has the advantage of being cheap to “fire” and lacking severe restrictions on “ammunition”.
The introduction of combat lasers also makes it possible to expand the range of targets to be hit. "Traditional" anti-aircraft systems are capable of dealing with aircraft of various classes and with some missiles. Combat lasers are also capable of attacking and destroying light UAVs, mortar mines, unguided rockets, etc. This increases the potential of air defense and has a positive effect on the security of the covered troops.
The first samples of lasers for military air defense should enter service with the US Army in 2020-22. Then, new models with higher technical and combat characteristics are expected to appear, which will also have a chance to enter service. Apparently, the military air defense of the US armed forces will face a serious modernization based on the latest developments and technologies.
