Boeing claims its new laser's performance, each firing 'multi-second
durations' demonstrated measured beam quality suitable for
a tactical weapon system. For these tests Boeing incorporated
a series of robust commercial-off-the-shelf lasers used in
the automotive industry. Solid-state lasers are powered by
electricity, making them highly mobile and supportable on
the battlefield. Boeing claims its laser represents the most
electrically efficient solid-state laser technology known.
"Solid-state lasers will revolutionize the battlefield
by giving the warfighter an ultra-precision engagement capability
that can dramatically reduce collateral damage," said
Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of Boeing
Missile Defense Systems. "These successful tests show
that Boeing has made solid progress toward making this revolutionary
capability a reality."
The thin-disk laser is an initiative to demonstrate that
solid-state laser technologies are now ready to move out of
the laboratory and into full development as weapon systems.
A high-power solid-state laser will damage, disable or destroy
targets at the speed of light, with little to no collateral
damage, supporting missions on the battlefield and in urban
operations. The system is designed to meet the rapid-fire,
rapid-retargeting requirements of area-defense, anti-missile
and anti-mortar tactical high-energy laser systems. It is
also ideal for non-lethal, ultra-precision strike missions
urgently needed by warfighters in war zones.
Defense
Market Update