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The fixed-site version
Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) Tactical High Energy Laser
(THEL) THEL, was developed by TRW Inc. under a $89 million contract. During
several tests in the USA, the system has shot down 25 Katyusha rockets, but
has not been deployed.
 The
system also known as Nautilus, has not progressed much since the end of the
demonstration program, since the lack of mobility and the fixed base
limitations of the system made in insufficient to counter long range rockets
currently employed by Hezbulla at the Israeli northern border with Lebanon.
While Katyusha rockets had a range of 20 kilometers, and could hit only a
few urban targets, the long range rockets have a range of 70 kilometers and
can hit strategic facilities and large urban areas in the Haifa bay. A
laser-based defense against such weapons must rely on more systems, which
could be rapidly mobilized to protect a much larger area. Such design is
currently being implemented under the MTHEL program. Similar threats could
face US contingencies in other parts of the world. This requirement is
driving the need for an air-mobile version of the beam weapon. In July 2006,
Northrop Grumman unveiled the
SkyGuard system, based on the THEL, designed to protect airfields and
fixed sites from rocket, artillery and mortar (RAM) attacks.
Mobile Tactical High Energy Laser (MTHEL)
 A
study completed in 2001 concluded that the rocket interceptor has "lots of
promise" and further development should be pursued, primarily in enabling
system's mobility. Mobility considerations for the future mobile systems
include system mobility (road and off road capabilities) and air
transportability, including the type of transport aircraft it should fit on
(C-130, C-17 or C-5). Conclusions of these studies will define the necessary
size- reduction technologies required for the future version.Further studies
of the system include the use of such laser beam weapons to provide "hard
kill" defenses against artillery projectiles, UAVs and cruise missiles.
During a recent test conducted on Aug. 24, 2004 the system shot down
multiple mortar rounds, demonstrating potential its battlefield application
for to protection against common threats. The test represented actual mortar
threat scenarios. Targets were intercepted by the THEL testbed and
destroyed; both single mortar rounds and salvo were tested.
Above: Sequence
of a rocket intercept demonstration by e THEL laser, September 2000. In
these photos, THEL/ACTD laser spot focus on the warhead (top) of the 5 inch
diameter rocket, and detonate it (center), thus effectively "neutralizing"
the rocket. The gases emitted by the explosion create excessive drag which
tears the fragmentation casing into several parts which continue on their
ballistic trajectory. (bottom of image series) Inside right: THEL Radar and
fire control system.
THEL / MTHEL Operational
Scenario
The Tactical High Energy Laser uses a high-energy, deuterium fluoride
chemical laser to protect against attack by short range unguided (ballistic
flying) rockets.
In a typical engagement scenario, a rocket is launched toward the defended
area. Upon detection by the THEL fire control radar (image on right), the
radar establishes trajectory information about the incoming rocket, then
"hands off" the target to the pointer-tracker subsystem, which includes the
beam director (top of page above). The PTS tracks the target optically, then
begins a "fine tracking" process for THEL's beam director, which then places
THEL's high-energy laser on target. The energy of the laser causes intense
heating of the target, which causes its warhead to explode. The debris from
the target falls quickly to the ground, far short of the defended area.
The purpose of the MTHEL program is to develop and test the first mobile
Directed Energy weapon system capable of detecting, tracking, engaging, and
defeating Rockets/Artillery/Mortars (RAM), cruise missiles, short-range
ballistic missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Despite the progress made
with MTHEL, the US Army stopped funding for the program claiming it was too
bulky.
Northrop Grumman proposed to
use "relocatable" THEL systems to counter mortar and rocket threats on US
military facilities in Iraq. Since funding for the MTHEL program
was cut in 2004, such system may not be available for deployment in the near
future. A second generation "relocatable" THEL system is currently
considered for deployment. Such system will weigh about one-quarter the size of
the current THEL and will fit into a 20 foot container which can be
airlifted to forward areas. The new system will offer the same capability. Such systems are expected to cost $25
million a piece, when fielded in large numbers (30+). Future laser weapons
will be based on electrically generated lasers and run on diesel fuel,
rather than specially supplied chemical liquid fuel. However, while THEL
based weapon could be fielded in less than two years, an equivalent system
based on electrically powered laser will not be feasible before 2011.
The system's radar is already operational in Israel, providing early warning
from Palestinian attacks on the the city of Shderot. there are also rumors
about a planned THEL deployment to Iraq, where it could provide RAM
protection of the US Forces command and new Iraqi government.
A recent article published by the
Israeli online magazine Omedia provides an insight into some of the
controversy the SkyGuard high power laser rocket & mortar interceptor system
faces in Israel, primarily within the MOD's Defense Research & Development
Directorate and local industries. Israel's DDRD traditionally favored
investment in offensive, deterrent systems and rejected most defensive
systems with the exception of the Arrow system (which also met strong
opposition in Israel, primarily with the Israel Air Force). In the article,
Dr. Oded Amichai, former senior Rafael representative, counters arguments
raised against the system, describe its advantages and reveals who is to
blame for it not being in operation in Israel today.
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