The Navy has many options to choose from when looking for a new type of laser weapon. The options include an integrated high-energy system with optical-dazzlers, high-repetition-range-finders, and a safe laser weapon. These systems can also be used for specific targets and surface threats. The Navy will ultimately decide.
High-energy laser system featuring integrated optical-dazzler
The United States Navy may soon be able to deploy a high-energy laser weapon aboard a warship. This defensive laser system, known as HELIOS and designed to burn boats and shoot down unmanned aircraft, is called the HELIOS. It is expected to be operational with a Pacific Fleet guided missile destroyer by 2021.
The high-power laser weapon will be fielded later this year, followed by a low-end non-lethal laser dazzler. Both systems will offer valuable operational experience for the Navy using directed energy weapons. The Navy Laser Family of Systems is still being developed by engineers.
HELIOS system
HELIOS can be used to strike aerial targets with its high-energy laser weapon. It can also be used to target enemy drones as a laser dazzler. HELIOS is being looked at by the Navy as a possible option for its future fleet ships.
The Navy has a number of laser weapon systems, including the HELIOS. The family is an effort towards providing lasers that excel in combat. In 2023, the first HELIOS system will be deployed. It is planned that the laser weapon will be mounted on ships, and integrated into Aegis' combat system. The laser weapon is capable of dazzling UASs and other game-changing abilities.
Eye-safe high repetition rate-finders
The eye safe high repetition range-finder is a laser range finder that uses high intensity light radiation. It can temporarily blind enemy enemies and works over a range from 500 to 700 meters. It uses an electromagnetic resonator to shift light's wavelength from one micron into the other. It is small in size and only 1.65 kgs. Additionally, the device has an RS232 interface which allows it to send range information out to other systems. The laser is connected to a GPS receiver in the UK.
A good example of such a system is the Vidar laser-range-finder. It can be used for ground and naval applications and has a high repetition rate and low SWaP. It is a true class-one eye-safe laser that is easy to use during training. It's also compact and has an integrated boresight cam.
Long-range capability
The Navy is in the early stages of developing a laser weapon with long-range capability. The weapon is expected five times more powerful that its predecessor, which has existed for fifty years. It is capable to track 60 millimeter mortar rounds. It can also target drones up to three sizes.
Multi-mission laser weapons are designed to allow it to strike targets at extremely long distances. The Navy expects to have it operationally deployed in maritime environments by 2023. The Navy will use the lessons learned from testing to guide future development efforts.
Cost per shot
The Navy is currently testing the laser weapon. The laser weapon's high accuracy allows it to destroy the engines of manned and unmanned watercraft as well as take out flying unmanned aircraft. It's also more affordable to make and operate than other weapons. It costs less than $1 per shot. It has been successfully tested against Iranian-style attack vessels. Although the laser did not blow up any of the boats, it caused some collateral damage.
The Navy Laser Weapon System's cost per shot is much lower than comparable kinetic systems. Depending on the laser weapon's power, the cost per shot may range from $1.15 to $9.20 for a 60-kW system up to $9.20 with a 480-kW one. The Navy estimates that 60-kW class lasers would cost $100 million each. However, a 250-kW laser would run around $200 million.