High Energy Laser Systems for Short Range Defense

M. Lavan United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command, U.S. Army Forces Strategic Command

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The advantages of the use of high energy laser systems in a counter rocket, artillery and mortar projectile mission are described. The history of the development of directed energy weapons in the United States Army and the current high energy laser programs and technologies are outlined. The U.S. Army vision for future ground combat relies on high mobility, lightweight systems with improved survivability. Without the protection afforded by heavy armor, other methods for protecting assets and personnel are required. The Army is now developing the technologies for a future mobile solid state laser weapon system to defeat a wide range of air and ground threats, working to get these revolutionary weapons to our soldiers in the near future.

DOI: 10.12693/APhysPolA.115.959 PACS numbers: 75.47.Lx, 75.47.Gk, 73.50.Fq