How is the Army in the United States able to protect its citizens? This was a question posed by lawmakers when questioning how close the Army is to “developing offensive and defensive directed-energy weapons”. An Army spokesperson said they believe they are very close and are looking at 2023 for the reveal of new laser-based weapons. Laser gun and missile sites have long been a part of military personnel’s equipment, this new laser technology will allow for higher-energy deployment of lasers that can be used on both manned and unmanned vehicles.
The Army and its subcommittee on emerging threats and capabilities has said it’s “committed to pursuing high-energy lasers.” The development will include developing and testing lasers to assure they can do the full scope of defense against threats. The researchers are developing lasers that will work against counter-rockets, counter-artillery and counter-mortar, cruise missile threats and unmanned aerial vehicle threats.
Prior to providing soldiers with the technology, Army researchers need to be assured the laser-aided weapons are trustworthy. In the past, lasers have been deployed in other industries and they have not always performed up to the anticipated standards. The Army has been taking lasers into operational environments for testing purposes to assure they are capable and fully functional prior to putting them into the hands of the soldiers on the front lines.
Currently, the Air Force flies with lasers under the transport of the aircraft. The lasers are used as infrared countermeasure systems and have proven helpful with larger power outputs with better thermal management packaged inside smaller sized lasers. This makes it possible to equip the aircraft with the lasers and not impede the safety of the aircraft due to unreasonable amounts of weight. The Air Force is also working on new technology that will be used on gunships. The laser technology on the gunships will include “beam steering and power and thermal management” capabilities.
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