Directed energy weapons are energy weapons that use highly concentrated energy rather than a projectile to hit a target. Lasers, microwaves and sound beams are all examples of directed energy weapons. These weapons can also be used against vehicles, personnel, and optical devices. They can also attack biological targets like infected animal.
Raytheon Phaser system
The Phaser system is a directed energy weapon that could be deployed from an aircraft or a vehicle. It has the power to destroy various aerial threats including missiles, helicopters, and manned aircraft. The Phaser beam can also target ground targets. This system could be used in many roles including long-range missile defense and airborne close-air-support.
The company has been testing its directed energy weapons portfolio with the Air Force. Raytheon has won two major contracts from Air Force Research Laboratory. It has also been testing HELWS (High-Energy Laser Weapon System) and the Phaser microwave high-powered. However, the Air Force is yet to reveal the contracts' value, and there have not been formal negotiations.
Raytheon's HPM program
Two untrained drones that attacked Saudi oil production plants with crude oil have brought renewed attention to the topic of directed energy weapons. This attack showed the ability of UAS to defeat conventional air defence systems. Raytheon Technologies is one company working to develop directed energy weapons.
Directed energy weapons are capable of targeting a target with high heat and a microwave that can disable the brain of electronic devices. The effect can be so subtle that the user may not even know it happened. These weapons can also serve as intelligence, surveillance, or reconnaissance.
Raytheon HEL system
Raytheon’s HEL (direct energy weapon) system is capable of destroying drones and rockets in a matter of seconds. It is expected to be ready in 2021 for high-power trials. Lasers are becoming more important as the price of traditional weapons keeps rising. Last year, the UK Ministry of Defence awarded the contract to the company for the production of a demonstrator-system.
During development of the HEL system, researchers encountered challenges with beam propagation. The beam lost power because of distortions in its path through the atmosphere. Localised heating added to the problem. Because of this, the HEL weapon was unable to penetrate clouds.
Raytheon's Plasma-Based MARAUDER System
During the early 1990s, Raytheon began research into a plasma-based directed energy weapon called MARAUDER. This plasma-based railgun could shoot plasma rounds at high speeds. It could be extremely mobile and can shoot down incoming rockets. The project has not been publicly revealed since the mid-1990s.
These weapons use two primary types energy: the plasma-based system and particle stream weapons. Plasma weapons are capable of emitting subatomic particles that cause damage to targets. The laser designator used to create particle stream weapons can be used to aim the beam at far distances. Secondary impact damage can also be caused by plasma weapons.