Laser Weapons in Defense: Performance and Threat Analysis
The fascinating (and often exaggerated) footage of lasers cutting through aircraft may give us a glimpse into the future of laser weaponry. However, in reality, achieving this level of accuracy and power would require an astoundingly powerful laser that currently does not exist in mobile form.
Understanding Laser Weapon Technology
Laser weapon technology is rapidly advancing and expected to pose a credible threat to combat aircraft in the near future. A key factor in the effectiveness of laser weaponry is the power and distance involved. The effects of laser weapons depend on the amount of power delivered onto the target, a product of both the output power and the distance.
Low-Power Lasers
Low-power lasers, typically in the range of 5kW, operate at short ranges. These can dazzle or blind infrared and some visual sensors. At extremely short ranges, against a non-manoeuvring target, such a laser could cause permanent physical damage, albeit over a period of tens of seconds.
High-Power Lasers
Lasers operating in the tens of kilowatts range can cause permanent physical damage at short ranges, burning through thin plastics and composites within seconds. High-power lasers, such as the 33kW Laser Weapon System, can be seen in action damaging a target drone. Here’s a video example where the drone is on fire by 1:11, simply by the beam's power (from 1:04 onwards).
At around the 100kW mark, lasers can burn through metal sheets at several miles to ranges of several tens of kilometers, inflicting damage on plastic and even damaging stealth coatings. At longer range, lasers can dazzle or temporarily blind sensors, even disabling a car engine.
High-Power Laser Systems
systems like the 1 megawatt Airborne Laser, mounted in the YAL-1 modified Boeing 747, can destroy short-range ballistic missiles from a distance of around 100 miles. This demonstrates the capability of megawatt-class lasers to engage threats at long distances.
Future Laser Weaponry for Fighter Jets
The future of laser weaponry in defense is closely tied to technological advancements such as superconductors. For next-gen fighters like the F-X, integrated laser systems could reach output powers of around 150kW. These advancements might even see further increases in power as the laser and electrical generators become more compact.
Contextualizing Output Power
To put the power output into perspective, consider an F-35B in hover mode. The drive shaft that connects the F135 engine’s turbine to the lift fan up front delivers around 20 megawatts of mechanical power. While this is a significant source of power, it is also interesting to note that the jet engine still outputs around 45 megawatts of thrust through its rear nozzle in max afterburner mode.
These advancements in laser weaponry are not just limited to land or air-based systems. Naval vessels are also integrating laser defense systems to enhance their capabilities.
Conclusion
The future of laser weaponry in military applications is promising, with advancements in power, compactness, and integration into existing defense platforms. While the claim of laser weapons cutting through aircraft may be exaggerated, the reality is that these systems will pose a serious threat to combat aircraft in the near future. Stay tuned for further developments in laser technology and its integration into military operations.