The Navy has several options for a new 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 to disable specific targets, including surface threats. Ultimately, the decision will be up to the Navy.
High-energy laser with integrated optical-dazzler
The United States Navy is nearing the deployment of a high-energy, laser weapon on a battleship. Called the HELIOS, this defensive laser system is designed to shoot down unmanned drones and burn boats. It is expected to be operational with a Pacific Fleet guided missile destroyer by 2021.
The high-power laser weapon, which will be deployed later in the year, will be followed by a non-lethal low-end laser dazzler. Both systems will give the Navy valuable operational experience using directed energy weapons. The Navy Laser Family of Systems is still being developed by engineers.
HELIOS system
HELIOS is a high-energy laser weapon which can be used for aerial targets. It can be used to disable enemy drones and for long-range intelligence gathering. HELIOS is being considered by the Navy for future fleet ships.
The Navy's laser weapon systems family includes HELIOS. The family was created to create lasers that are highly combat-ready. The deployment of the first HELIOS systems is planned for 2023. The laser weapon will be fitted to ships and can be integrated with the Aegis combat network. Laser weapons can be used to stun UASs, and have other game-changing capabilities.
Eye-safe high repetition range-finders
The eye-safe high repetition range-finder (ELRF) is a laser range-finding system that uses high-intensity light radiation. It is capable of temporarily blinding enemies and can be used over a distance of 500-700 metres. It uses a resonanceator to shift the wavelength of light from one micrn to another. It is small and lightweight at 1.65kg. It also has an RS232 interface, which can send range information to other systems. The laser can also be linked to a GPS receiver for 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 true class-one laser safe for the eyes and is very easy to use in training. It comes with an integrated boresight system and is small enough to be carried around.
Long-range capabilities
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 designed to be able to track 60-millimeter mortar rounds. It can also target drones in three sizes.
The multi-mission laser weapon was designed to allow it attack targets at very far distances. The Navy plans to deploy it in operational maritime environments by the end of 2023. Future development will take the lessons from this testing.
Cost per shot
The Navy is testing a laser weapon. It can destroy the engines and take out unmanned flying vehicles. It is also less costly to build and operate than conventional weapons. It costs less that $1 per shot. The laser weapon was already tested against Iranian-style attack boat. While the laser did not cause damage, it did cause collateral damage.
The Navy Laser Weapon System has a significantly lower cost per shot than comparable kinetic weapons. 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 will cost $100 million each. A 250-kW laser will cost approximately $200 million.