Energy weapons. Directed Energy Weapons Projects

American physicist and popularizer of science Michio Kaku in his book "Physics of the Impossible" divides promising and even fantastic technologies into three categories, depending on their realism. He refers to the "first class of impossibility" those things that can be created with the help of today's amount of knowledge, but their production rests on some technological problems. It is to the first class that Kaku refers the so-called directed energy (DNE) - lasers, microwave radiation generators, etc. The main problem in creating such weapons is a suitable source of energy. For a number of objective reasons, all such types of weapons require relatively large energies, which may be unattainable in practice. Because of this, the development of laser or microwave weapons is extremely slow. Nevertheless, there are certain developments in this area, and several projects are being carried out simultaneously in the world at different stages.

Modern Concepts ONE have a number of features that promise great practical prospects. Weapons based on the transfer of energy in the form of radiation do not have such unpleasant features inherent in traditional weapons as recoil or difficulty in aiming. In addition, it is possible to adjust the power of the “shot”, which will allow using one emitter for various purposes, for example, to measure the range and attack the enemy. Finally, a number of designs of lasers or microwave emitters have virtually unlimited ammunition: the number of possible shots depends only on the characteristics of the power source. At the same time, directed energy weapons are not without drawbacks. The main one is high power consumption. To achieve performance comparable to traditional firearms, the HOE must have a relatively large and complex power source. Chemical lasers are an alternative, but they have a limited supply of reagents. The second drawback of the GNE is energy dissipation. Only a part of the sent energy will reach the target, which entails the need to increase the power of the emitter and use a more powerful energy source. It is also worth noting one minus associated with the rectilinear distribution of energy. Laser weapons are not capable of firing at a target along a hinged trajectory and can only attack with direct fire, which significantly reduces the scope of its application.

Currently, all work in the field of ONE is going in several directions. The most massive, although not very successful, is a laser weapon. In total, there are several dozen programs and projects, of which only a few have reached the embodiment in metal. Approximately the same is the case with microwave emitters, however, in the case of the latter, only one system has reached practical use to date.

The only one on this moment An example of a practically applicable weapon based on the transmission of microwave radiation is the American ADS complex (Active Denial System - “Active Deflection System”). The complex consists of a hardware unit and an antenna. The system generates millimeter waves, which, when they hit the surface of human skin, cause a strong burning sensation. Tests have shown that a person cannot be under the influence of ADS for more than a few seconds without risking first or second degree burns.

The effective range of destruction is up to 500 meters. The ADS system, despite its advantages, has several dubious features. First of all, criticism is caused by the "penetrating" abilities of the beam. Assumptions have been repeatedly made about the possibility of shielding radiation even with the help of dense tissue. However, official data on the possibility of preventing defeat, for obvious reasons, has not yet appeared. Moreover, such information, most likely, will not be published at all.

Perhaps the most famous representative of another class of ONE - combat lasers - is the ABL project (AirBorne Laser - "Airborne Laser") and the Boeing YAL-1 prototype aircraft. The Boeing 747-based aircraft carries two solid-state lasers for target illumination and guidance, as well as one chemical laser. The principle of operation of this system is as follows: solid-state lasers are used to measure the range to the target and determine the possible distortion of the beam as it passes through the atmosphere. Once the target is confirmed to be locked, the megawatt-class HEL chemical laser is activated and destroys the target. The ABL project was intended from the very beginning to work in missile defense.

For this, the YAL-1 aircraft was equipped with launch detection systems. intercontinental missiles. According to reports, the supply of reagents on board the aircraft was enough to carry out 18-20 laser "volleys" lasting up to ten seconds each. The range of the system is secret, but it can be estimated at 150-200 kilometers. At the end of 2011, the ABL project was closed due to the lack of expected results. Trial flights of the YAL-1 aircraft, including those with the successful destruction of target missiles, made it possible to collect a lot of information, but the project in that form was considered unpromising.

The ATL project (Advanced Tactical Laser - “Advanced Tactical Laser”) can be considered a kind of offshoot from the ABL program. Like the previous project, ATL involves the installation of a combat chemical laser on an aircraft. At the same time, the new project has a different purpose: a laser with a power of about a hundred kilowatts should be installed on a converted C-130 transport aircraft designed to attack ground targets. In the summer of 2009, an NC-130H aircraft destroyed several training targets at the training ground using its own laser. Since then, there has been no new data regarding the ATL project. Perhaps the project is frozen, closed, or undergoing changes and improvements caused by the experience gained during testing.

In the mid-nineties, Northrop Grumman, in cooperation with several subcontractors and several Israeli firms, began the THEL (Tactical High-Energy Laser) project. The aim of the project was to create a mobile laser weapon system designed to attack ground and air targets. The chemical laser made it possible to hit targets such as an airplane or helicopter at a distance of about 50 kilometers and artillery ammunition at a distance of about 12-15 km.

One of the main successes of the THEL project was the ability to track and attack air targets even in cloudy conditions. Already in 2000-01, the THEL system during tests carried out almost three dozen successful interceptions of unguided missiles and five interceptions of artillery shells. These indicators were considered successful, but soon the progress of work slowed down, and later stopped altogether. For a number of economic reasons, Israel withdrew from the project and began developing its own anti-missile system"Iron Dome". The US did not continue the THEL project alone and closed it.

The THEL laser was given a second life by the Northrop Grumman initiative, according to which it is planned to create Skyguard and Skystrike systems on its basis. Based on general principles, these systems will have different purposes. The first will be an air defense complex, the second - an aviation weapon system. With a power of several tens of kilowatts, both versions of chemical lasers will be able to attack various targets, both ground and air. The timing of the completion of work on the programs is not yet clear, as well as the exact characteristics of future complexes.

Northrop Grumman is also a leader in naval laser systems. Currently, active work on the MLD (Maritime Laser Demonstration - “Demonstration of the Marine Laser”) project is being completed. Like some other combat lasers, the MLD complex should provide air defense for naval ships. In addition, the protection of warships from boats and other small watercraft of the enemy can be introduced into the duties of this system. The basis of the MLD complex is the JHPSSL solid-state laser and its guidance system.

The first prototype of the MLD system was sent for testing in mid-2010. Checks ground complex showed all the pros and cons of the applied solutions. By the end of the same year, the MLD project entered the stage of improvements designed to ensure the placement of the laser complex on warships. The first ship should receive a "gun turret" with MLD by mid-2014.

Around the same time, before the state of readiness for serial production a Rheinmetall complex called HEL (High-Energy Laser - “High-Energy Laser”) can be brought up. This anti-aircraft system is of particular interest due to its design. It consists of two towers with two and three lasers, respectively. Thus, one of the towers has lasers with a total power of 20 kW, the other - 30 kW. The reasons for this decision are not yet entirely clear, but there is reason to see it as an attempt to increase the probability of hitting the target. In November last 2012, the first tests of the HEL complex took place, during which it showed itself on the good side. From a distance of one kilometer, a 15 mm armor plate was burned through (exposure time was not announced), and at a range of two kilometers, HEL was able to destroy a small drone and a mock mortar bomb. The weapon control system of the Rheinmetall HEL complex allows you to direct one to five lasers at one target, thus adjusting the power and / or exposure time.

While the rest of the laser systems are being tested, two American project have already produced practical results. Since March 2003, Afghanistan and Iraq have been applying fighting machine ZEUS-HLONS (HMMWV Laser Ordnance Neutralization System - “HMMWV Vehicle Based Laser Ordnance Neutralization System”), developed by Sparta Inc. On a standard American army jeep, a set of equipment with a solid-state laser with a power of about 10 kilowatts is installed. This radiation power is sufficient to direct the beam to explosive device or an unexploded projectile and thereby cause it to detonate. The effective range of the ZEUS-HLONS complex is approaching three hundred meters. The survivability of the working body of the laser allows you to produce up to two thousand "volleys" per day. The effectiveness of operations involving this laser complex is approaching one hundred percent.

The second laser complex used in practice is the GLEF (Green Light Escalation of Force) system. The solid-state emitter is mounted on a standard CROWS remote-controlled turret and can be installed on almost any type of equipment available to NATO forces. The GLEF is much less powerful than other combat lasers and is designed to briefly blind an enemy or counter aim. The main feature of this complex is the creation of a sufficiently wide exposure in azimuth, which is guaranteed to "cover" a potential enemy. It is noteworthy that using the developments on the topic of GLEF, a portable GLARE complex was created, the dimensions of which allow only one person to carry and use it. The purpose of GLARE is exactly the same - short-term blinding of the enemy.

Despite the large number of projects, directed energy weapons are still more promising than modern. Technological problems, primarily with energy sources, do not yet allow to fully reveal its potential. Great hopes are currently associated with ship-based laser systems. For example, United States sailors and designers justify this opinion by the fact that many warships are equipped with nuclear power plants. Thanks to this, the combat laser will not lack electricity. However, the installation of lasers on warships is still a matter of the future, so that the "shelling" of the enemy in a real battle will not happen tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.

According to materials:
http://lenta.ru/
http://bbc.co.uk/
http://army-guide.com/
http://boeing.com/
http://northropgrumman.com/
http://rheinmetall.com/
http://sparta.com/
http://army.mil/
http://strangernn.livejournal.com/
Kaku M. Physics of the impossible. - Alpina non-fiction, 2011.

All energy pistols light weapon self defense. With the exception of individual copies, such pistols are not capable of causing significant harm to the target, but they are valued for the fact that most standard types armor protects against energy weapons much worse than from small arms.

Pulse Pistol YK32

Pulse weapon - the latest development in the field of energy weapons - the shot is a powerful sound and light pulse that inflicts damage on the target at the molecular level.

STRENGTH: 3, THE WEIGHT: 2, POVR: 2k12, DISTANCE: 4, ONE: 4, PRICE: 12500, CLAMP: 10 (small battery), SIZE: M, DOST: 8

Wattz 1000 Laser Pistol

The first and only version of the "civilian" energy weapon. Weak, low-power, however, energetic.

STRENGTH: 3, THE WEIGHT: 2, POVR: 1d8, DISTANCE: 5, ONE: 5, PRICE: 1200, CLAMP: 10 (small battery), SIZE: M, DOST: 5

Wattz 1600 Laser Pistol

An improved version of the light laser pistol. It's possible to do some refurbishment with a Wattz 1000 by spending 1 tool, a couple of hours, and rolling "Repair" against a difficulty of 20.

STRENGTH: 3, THE WEIGHT: 2, POVR: 1d10, DISTANCE: 6, ONE: 5, PRICE: 1600, CLAMP: 12 (small battery), SIZE: M, DOST: 5

Glock 86 Plasma Pistol

Plasma weapons fire beams of hot plasma that cause significant damage to the target.

STRENGTH: 4, THE WEIGHT: 2, POVR: 2d8, DISTANCE: 5, ONE: 5, PRICE: 2600, CLAMP: 12 (small battery), SIZE: M, DOST: 6

alien blaster

There is no exact information about where this weapon came from. However, there are rumors from the nomads that it is found in large flying disks that have fallen from the sky, and in addition, dead creatures that are clearly not human are found in these disks.

STRENGTH: 3, THE WEIGHT: 2, POVR: 1d10+1d20, DISTANCE: 2, ONE: 4, PRICE: 10000, CLAMP: 10 (small battery), SIZE: M, DOST: 9

Solar Destroyer

A unique weapon of an unknown manufacturer that uses the accumulated energy of the sun to fire. A full charge in the sun lasts 6 hours (an hour per charge) - accordingly, there is no ammunition - there is only battery capacity.

STRENGTH: 4, THE WEIGHT: 3, POVR: 1k20, DISTANCE: 5, ONE: 4, PRICE: 8000, CLAMP: 6 (battery), SIZE: H, DOST: 9

Energy weapons, rifles

Pulse Rifle YK42b

The most powerful rifle in existence. The shot deals critical damage at the molecular level. deadly and very dangerous weapon.

STRENGTH: 3, THE WEIGHT: 5, POVR: 2k20, DISTANCE: 10, ONE: 5, PRICE: 17500, CLAMP: 15 (nuclear battery), SIZE: B, DOST: 8

Laser rifle H&K 31415

In fact, the carbine 31415 is a cross between a rifle and a pistol. This is a heavy, not very comfortable, but not the worst weapon.

STRENGTH: 6, THE WEIGHT: 6, POVR: 1k20, DISTANCE: 6, ONE: 6, PRICE: 3500, CLAMP: 20 (nuclear battery), SIZE: FROM, DOST: 5

Plasma rifle R94 "Winchester"

The most powerful mass-produced energy rifle. Widely used by the armed forces.

STRENGTH: 6, THE WEIGHT: 7, POVR: 1d20+1d6, DISTANCE: 8, ONE: 5, PRICE: 7000, CLAMP: 10 (nuclear battery), SIZE: B, DOST: 7

Wattz 3120b Laser Rifle

Modification of the Wattz 2500, which became the "energy sniper rifle." Accurate and quite lethal. Modification from the Wattz 2500 requires four hours of work, 2 tools, and a Repair roll against a Difficulty of 28.

STRENGTH: 4, THE WEIGHT: 3, POVR: 2k10, DISTANCE: 10, ONE: 5, PRICE: 5500, CLAMP: 20 (nuclear battery), SIZE: B, DOST: 6

Wattz 2500 Laser Rifle

The first of the widely implemented energy rifles. Lightweight, reliable, but did not have time to spread widely, as it was supplanted by more new model.

STRENGTH: 4, THE WEIGHT: 4, POVR: 2d8, DISTANCE: 8, ONE: 5, PRICE: 4500, CLAMP: 15 (nuclear battery), SIZE: B, DOST: 6

Turbo Plasma Rifle (P94+)

The standard plasma rifle has been improved, increased accuracy, charge power. It is possible to upgrade the rifle yourself, requiring four hours of work, 3 tools, and a Repair roll against a Difficulty of 30.

STRENGTH: 6, THE WEIGHT: 7, POVR: 1d20+1d10, DISTANCE: 10, ONE: 5, PRICE: 8000, CLAMP: 10 (nuclear battery), SIZE: B, DOST: 7

Energy weapons, big guns

H&K L30 Gatling Laser

Only the developers of the Heckler and Koch concern managed to create an energy weapon that does not overheat during intense shooting. The result is a bulky, but very effective weapon.

STRENGTH: 7, THE WEIGHT: 16, POVR: 1k20, DISTANCE: 8, ABOUT: 10/6/1, PRICE: 10000, CLAMP: 30 (nuclear battery), SIZE: O, DOST: 7

proton emitter

Another development of super-powerful energy weapons. It consists of the emitter itself (it looks like a blunderbuss gun) and a hefty satchel on the back, in which there is a nuclear accelerator. It is essentially an energy shotgun that decreases in damage with distance (-1 die per range category, not effective beyond 6 meters).

STRENGTH: 18, THE WEIGHT: 22, POVR: 6k10, DISTANCE: 1, ONE: 5, PRICE: 14000, CLAMP: 20 (nuclear battery), SIZE: O, DOST: 9

If you ask the first person you meet on the street about what a plasma weapon is, then not everyone will answer. Although fans of science fiction films probably know what it is and what it is eaten with. Nevertheless, we can say that in the near future humanity will come to the fact that such weapons will be used by the regular army, navy and even aviation, although this is now difficult to imagine for many reasons. Let's talk about promising weapon developments.

General information and concepts

Despite what we are used to hearing about energy and plasma weapons from films, the first prototypes and testing has been going on for decades. Another thing is that the authorities are trying to keep such information a secret. This, in principle, is not surprising, because the arms race, in fact, continues, and whoever succeeds will have an advantage. In Russia, for example, since 1972, the development of a combat laser has been underway. It has been successfully tested. Today, which can hit air targets, such as ballistic missiles, aircraft, satellites, etc. In particular, the Khimpromavtomatika company is engaged in similar developments. At present, it is planned to build the world's largest laser, which will be located in the city of Sarov. Its dimensions will be very impressive, we are talking about two. At the same time, there are no analogues either in Europe or in Asia. In general, plasma weapons look very promising against the background of firearms. But it will develop and improve over more than a dozen years.

and development

It is much better to consider a few specific projects than to talk about what is not yet. For example, howitzers remain as popular as they were 50 years ago. That is why many countries are engaged in the constant improvement of such technology. A prime example of this is the Panzerhaubitze. This artillery mount is perfect. This gun is 8 meters long, with 52 rounds of ammunition. This howitzer allows you to destroy a heavily armored target with one volley and immediately leave your position. The rate of fire of this combat vehicle, which is 1 shot in 3 seconds, is also surprising. True, then the pace is significantly reduced to a shot in 8 seconds due to the heating of the barrel. Today it is the best 155 mm howitzer, firing at 30 km or more. Especially for this artillery, a projectile with improved striking abilities was developed. We can safely say that it is deadly modern weapons, which is designed to destroy the enemy with one volley. Well, now back to our topic.

Weapons of the future and everything about it

Today, almost no one doubts that sooner or later there will be a Third World War. According to many experts, they will fight there with lasers and energy weapons. Most of all, the development of such weapons is carried out in the UK and the USA. So, some tests have already passed, and, as practice has shown, energy weapons (many call them impulse weapons) do an excellent job with enemy communications and air defense installations.

Microwave high-energy weapons began to be developed back in 1990. Impulses directed at an electrical object should disable it for a while, and in priority - forever. In fact, such weapons do not harm a person. It is worth noting that the pulses are capable of hitting fortified objects, as well as bunkers located underground.

The lasers are already working

If energy weapons are easier to find today in any project, then lasers have already been installed on some equipment. In particular, the United States is interested in such developments. One of the guns was successfully tested and was installed on board the aircraft. From the air, it was possible to hit a car standing on the ground. At the same time, the beam guidance system worked without deviations. The Boeing Company, which makes such dangerous weapons, has previously tested lasers. It was back in 2010, in the laboratory. Even then it became clear that the use of laser guns would save a lot of military personnel.

But what about Russia, you ask? Despite the fact that there is practically no information about the development of laser and energy weapons, not everything is so bad. We can say that we have a dangerous weapon, and it is really deadly. Take, for example, a new generation tank "Armata", which has no analogues in the whole world. We will soon have electronic pilots, "smart" rockets, all this is not a development, but a reality, which will be discussed a little lower.

Latest weapon designs

If now there are weapons of the 3rd and 4th generations, then soon it is planned to supply systems of the 5th generation. It is for this simple reason that it is too early to talk about the 6th generation. But if you look to the near future, say, in 2016, then Russia has succeeded here, and it has something to brag about. First of all, this is the T-50, which is planned to be delivered in 2016. It is made using stealth technology, that is, it will be difficult to determine it by radar. There will also be a fundamentally new avionics integrated with an electronic pilot. Now all this seems unimaginable, but such systems have already been tested and work.

But this is not all the possibilities of the T-50. It can develop supersonic speed without afterburner, and is also equipped with a complex called the Himalayas. Today, only the US Air Force is armed with 5th generation fighters, but development is underway in China and Russia. Such units are very expensive, but with all this, the possibilities of such units are very large.

Drones of the future

Today, more and more people are thinking about how to make a full-fledged aircraft, but without a crew. The drone is not yet such, however, modern developments indicate that this is a serious and effective technique. The main tasks facing the designers are to install powerful weapons and make it possible to rescue the wounded or hostages. The United States is actively developing drones. Such drones will still be auxiliary on the battlefield, but, despite this, extremely useful. They will be engaged in the transportation of goods, transport the wounded, conduct reconnaissance and destroy unarmored targets. The Americans plan to create drones that can help in any situation, regardless of weather conditions and conditions. In addition, the ability to conduct electronic warfare is important. Therefore, it is quite possible that such a new secret weapon will be equipped with pulse guns.

Combat platform "Armata"

As noted above, we are not all that bad. Russia is leading in the production of Armata combat platforms, which belong to the 5th generation. Until recently, it was a mystery what kind of tank would appear on the Victory Day parade. Now we know that this is the Armata tank, which has no analogues in the whole world. After what they saw, the Americans immediately thought about modernizing their equipment, which, in fact, is not surprising. The crew of the tank is located in an isolated capsule, which protects people from fire and shrapnel. Nevertheless, the armor of the "Armata" is able to withstand a direct hit from any existing or promising weapon. The tank itself is armed with a 125-mm cannon, which shoots. The vehicle control is digital, and the gun is remote. It is very convenient, safe and effective.

Terrible "Prometheus" S-500

Anti-aircraft missile systems of the 5th generation are already in Russia. These are the S-500 Prometheus complexes. This is an impressive weapon, which is also multifunctional. The S-500 is capable of hitting interballistic missiles in space. "Prometheus" is, without any doubt, very promising weapon. Surface-to-air missiles are capable of hitting a target located at an altitude of 3.5 thousand kilometers, flying at a speed of 5 kilometers per minute. Another characteristic of Prometheus is also surprising, which allows you to hit about 10 supersonic missiles at a distance of 600 kilometers. Despite the fact that the S-500 is already in the Russian Federation, they are not in service. It is planned to deliver them to the army in 2016. According to many experts, the S-500 alone is not capable of changing the course of the battle, but in combination with other defensive weapons, the Prometheus will become a reliable barrier protecting the air borders of our country.

Hypersound is reality

In fact, it is difficult to say something about what modern US weapons have. Obviously the most interesting remains a secret. Nevertheless, it has recently become known that the Americans are developing and testing the X-51A Waverider. These are hypersonic missiles that are capable of speeds of the order of 6.5-7.5 thousand km / h. The first tests did not bring any results. But already in 2013, the rocket flew about 500 km in 6 minutes. In the end, it was possible to develop a speed of about 5 thousand km / h. Russia is also conducting similar work, but we have an earlier stage. Well, now let's go further.

Precision weapons and robotics

Of course, promising weapons developments are carried out daily. But special attention should be paid to robotics, as more and more people are talking about it. How convenient it is to replace a soldier with a robot that would make decisions more quickly, make no mistakes and shoot more accurately. But this is still on the verge of fantasy. Nevertheless, the Russian SAR-400 will soon be indispensable on the battlefield. He can defuse bombs, serve as a repairman and scout. It has no analogues in the world.

Conclusion

So we talked about the weapons of the near future and the present. Of course, plasma weapons are unlikely to be used yet, nevertheless, their development is underway. In particular, there are many limitations associated with which is not as durable as we would like it to be. Still, plasma weapons will appear, but it is not known when. The same goes for energy weapons. But all this in the near future will not be able to replace the powerful cannons of tanks and howitzers that fire shells. The same applies to combat aircraft, bombers and other military equipment. Of course, it is difficult to say what will happen tomorrow, let alone discuss the appearance of plasma torches. In addition, it is now difficult to imagine exactly how and under what conditions plasma for ammunition will be produced. The same applies to the cost of the substance.

Like a bolt from the blue, there was information today that Russia experienced electronic weapons which has no analogues in the world. All the media announced that our weapons developers have created something so incredible, secret and new that they said something about it in vain. Life journalist Mikhail Kotov tried to figure out what kind of miracle it is, and is it really a miracle?

Try to get me what can't be

It all started with RIA Novosti, which reported on how Russian manufacturers created radio-electronic weapons that have no analogues in the world. Behind this loud, but completely stamped name, the news was hidden that, they say, this miracle weapon was created on "new physical principles."

It is unlikely that he meant "new physics" (aka physics beyond the standard model), which describes such theoretical problems as the origin of antimatter and neutrino oscillations. Most likely, the journalist simply did not know how to express the wow effect of the information received.

By the way, there is no information yet. At all. Even for a little news. It is reliably known that a certain "official representative of the enterprise - developer new system- He told the United Instrument-Making Corporation (by the way, part of the Rostec state corporation) with a completely secret name and surname about the creation of a new weapon that "neutralizes enemy equipment without the use of traditional means of destruction, shells, using directed energy."

It sounds cool, and many publications hastened to replicate this news, as if playing "broken phone". If you think sensibly, then the invention of "new physical principles" is, firstly, the Nobel Prize, although this year it has already been given, but the Rostec workers still have time to collect documents for participation in the next one. Secondly, this is the recognition of the whole world, the onset of the future and a serious backlog for a dozen science fiction films. However, it is worth dealing with this in order.

"Actually, I still have a lot of energy"

In general, as we remember from the school physics course, energy is a scalar quantity, a single measure various forms motion and interaction of matter. In principle, any defeat of enemy equipment and manpower occurs with the help of directed energy. The simplest case is a sub-caliber projectile, just a blank, overclocked to great speed and having high kinetic energy.

Exactly on the same principle, one of the types of missiles of the American missile defense system THAAD works: they do not have a warhead with explosives, only a blank accelerated to enormous speeds, ramming an enemy missile. However, in this case there is energy, and also kinetic.

The explosion of the warhead of a projectile or rocket is also a process that goes with the release of energy. What chemical explosion the warhead of a projectile, which is a nuclear explosion, realized due to the energy released in nuclear reactions.

The laser, which the Americans are now developing so seriously, is also a narrowly directed beam of radiation. It uses the energy received from pumping and turns it into a "combat beam". AT this case energy that is directed.

The passage said by an unknown "specialist" does not make sense at all even at the everyday level of understanding things, not to mention serious research in the field of physics and modern weapons. The second option is also possible, that his words were incorrectly interpreted by a journalist, this also happens, alas.

Photo: RIA Novosti / Sergey Pyatakov

combat microwave

If we discard the most incredible theories and look closely at the words about "indirect physical impact on the on-board equipment of aircraft, drones and neutralization precision weapons", then, most likely, we are talking about some of the options for using microwave or microwave weapons. The latest physical principles it is difficult to name it, last year it was already 150 years since their discovery by the English physicist Maxwell.

The number of electromagnetic weapons includes a railgun (we discard it because of the shells), an electromagnetic bomb (already closer, but the energy does not strike in a direction, but everything around) and a "microwave gun" - a powerful and compact microwave emitter with explosive pumping of energy. Most likely, this is exactly what we need.

The only problem is that a weapon based on this principle has already been created, and it was created by Russian developers. This is the Afghanit active defense complex, which will be equipped with T-14 tanks on the Armata platform. It includes many elements that should help the tank survive an enemy attack: this is a smoke-metal curtain, and a special aerosol that makes the tank invisible in the infrared spectrum, and heat traps.

In addition, the "Afganit" includes a stationary electromagnetic pulse generator (EMP) on the roof of the tank and an EMP grenade with a shock wave emitter. The electromagnetic radiation created by them disables the homing head (GOS) of high-precision ammunition. The currents and voltages that arise as a result of a powerful impulse in electronic circuits lead to its breakdown.

New weapons, old problems

The main problem with such weapons, as with any using electromagnetic waves, is that they require high energy, and the radiation flux weakens very much with distance. Alas, these are the "old physical laws" and so far no one has been able to get around them. The main solution at the moment is to create a pulse of high power, but very short, nanosecond duration. The problem remains the clear directionality of microwave radiation, which also does not want to move "in a new way" and, like all waves, propagates in all directions, ensuring rapid attenuation.

Just like with laser weapons, electromagnetic weapons are waiting for a breakthrough in the creation of batteries and energy storage devices. Those that are now greatly increase the mass of weapons and have low efficiency. It is possible to assume that the creators of the "miracle weapon" managed to bypass all these points, but it is very unlikely. In laboratory conditions, it is already possible to create powerful pulse generators, but history does not yet know the real weapon that uses them.

Rostec is the birthplace of elephants

And now for the umpteenth time "unparalleled". The legend is fresh, but in the same America the creation electromagnetic weapons is one of the most sought after areas. As part of the program to create "weapons of controlled effects" there are working and operating samples of the ADS (Active Denial System), which are an installation that emits electromagnetic oscillations in the millimeter wave range with a frequency of about 94 GHz.

Such radiation has a shock effect, the skin heats up, turns red, causing pain to those caught under the radiation and forcing them to run away. It is not a lethal weapon and can operate at a distance of up to 500 meters. However, any water-containing objects are an excellent defense against such weapons, and this can be implemented even in the field.

The main thing: do not demonize electromagnetic weapons, as was done in an article in the Expert magazine two years ago. Let's just quote, and you laugh: "High-frequency EMO can also affect the skin and internal organs of a person. At the same time, as a result of their heating in the body, chromosomal and genetic changes, activation and deactivation of viruses, transformation of immunological and behavioral reactions are possible." Alas, guys, but no, electromagnetic weapons will not turn you into Spider-Man, Hulk, Magneto or Wolverine. It will just hurt, really hurt.

The military industry is a very specific and closed area. The data that journalists receive is often fragmentary, unverifiable and contradictory. Therefore, one should be skeptical and very attentive to any statements, especially "very secret" speakers.

SUCCESSES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTROMAGNETIC WEAPONS /

DIRECTIONAL WEAPONS

David Alexander

Dynamically transformable tactical technical means that provide dominance in the combat space in the electromagnetic field catalyze innovative future military initiatives. The totality of these innovations promises, in some cases, revolutions that can change combat and doctrine as radically as the shift from deck guns to guided missiles that changed tactical and strategic calculations in a previous era.

“This weapon, which delivers striking energy to the target at the speed of light and throws the striking element due to the forces “created with the help of an electromagnetic field, promises to radically change the nature of war at sea and when exposed to land targets,” said Rear Admiral Jay Cowan, Chief of Naval Research, in a policy brief in mid-June 2003.

Electromagnetic weapons technologies are a class of high-level weapons, the prototype of which, integrated into the system, is designed to determine the damaging factors in tactical operations. The technologies used make it possible to create systems that throw a striking element with hyperkinetic, high-speed impact due to electromagnetic energy. Such systems are electromagnetic rail guns ( EMRG ) and coil cannons, which together are usually classified as kinetic action weapons ( KEW ). Another use is electromagnetic aircraft launchers, artillery with hyperspeed projectiles and hypersonic airborne strike systems for strategic strike operations, which illustrate the achievements of fifth generation weapons compared to conventional warheads and used submunitions in long-range cruise missiles.

Directional weapon ( DEW ) represents a category of advanced weapons in which electromagnetic energy is used as the actual damaging element of the system, and is not used as a cause that gives projectiles kinetic energy. These latter systems are exemplified by the use of high energy lasers (HEL), high power microwave (HPM) CB and radio frequency munitions (RFM), otherwise known as "e-bombs", which function by generating conventional electromagnetic pulses (N-N-EMP) of radiation. energy with enough power to hamper and disrupt the electronic and digital systems that govern the operation of many civilian and military systems. Laser weapons can be said to represent a separate class of weapons known as fast light weapons ( Speed ​​of Light - S.O.L.).

In the United States, funded by the Department of Defense or the Department of Defense Advanced Planning Office ( DARPA ) technological strike initiatives have led to the development and improvement of the existing scientific and technical base and the creation of new experimental military systems for tactical use, as well as the defense of a strategic sector of high importance against ballistic missiles ( bmd).

In the 1980s, directional weapons are believed to have been at the very center of President Reagan's strategic defense initiative. AT last years The Bush administration has allowed defense programs to be transformed, "generation skipping" in military technology, and the production of field-adapted directional weapons systems for use in defense against ballistic missiles. Another driving factor in the development of light-speed weapon technology is its applicability to the needs of the rapid deployment of troops and equipment in support of the global strike doctrine, the concepts of which are ultra-high speed and stealth action. Directional weapons are by far the most logical solution for space-based weapons systems if space weaponization occurs.

In addition to the special requirements for defense against ballistic missiles and, possibly, military operations in space, interest in directed weapons is motivated by the understanding that the upper limit the effectiveness of the development potential of existing explosive HEAT munitions already reached. Conventional cannon weapon systems face great limitations in their use for the increasingly important missions of C-RAM (anti-missile/artillery/mortar), and robotic combat systems next generation (faster, agile, more capable of covert action and more maneuverable than systems operated by man, as well as operating in dismembered formation) will be increasingly difficult to hit by the existing weapons systems of the modern generation.

Although in today's model, undoubtedly, a large proportion of " Buck- Rogering”, as it was during the heyday of SDI, however, it is not denied that the development of kinetic weapons systems ( KEW ) and directional weapons ( DEW ) of the next generation is the core event of the global implementation of a transformable doctrine of warfare.

The following sections provide an overview state of the art cases in different sectors.

Weapons of kinetic action

This class of weapon discussed earlier is also known as an electromagnetic weapon ( EMW ), a weapon created on electrical principles ( EEW ), or electromagnetic guns ( EMG ). There are three main conceptual types: rail guns, coil guns and electrothermal guns. The first type is the oldest. The earliest known reel cannon, which reportedly fired a metal rod at about 20 m, was made around 1845. The railgun is attributed to a French inventor who received three patents in 1920. Successful experiments with modern weapons-adapted variants began in the 1940s and 1950s, and work began on a third type, electrothermal guns, in the same years.

Although numerous concepts and variations have been developed, all electrically based weapon systems operate on essentially the same principle of magnetic interaction between two electrically charged coils to produce projectile propulsion, and have three main components: a power source, a launcher ( or barrel) and projectile. In rail guns, the place of coils is occupied by on electrolyzed rails, and in electrothermal guns, propellant material, such as polyethylene, is overheated and evaporated into plasma high pressure, which accelerates the projectile on the launcher. Projectiles can be made from any material, and indeed many materials have been used, including metals, nylon, and polycarbonates.

Although all three types of electromagnetic weapons have their own means and capabilities, railguns have emerged, internationally recognized as the most feasible options for converting and adapting to the field use of weapons systems and are currently the subject of renewed development work.

rail guns

Electromagnetic rail guns function by generating high energy pulses along parallel rails, one negatively charged and the other positively charged. When the current is applied to the rails, it oscillates between them along the conductive or surrounding armature at the base of the projectile to the opposite rail and back in the opposite direction. This generates an excitation current that creates a "projectile-propelling force known as 'Lorenzasila', named after the Dutch physicist Hendrik A. Lorentz who discovered it. Passing the distance to the target with hyperkinetic speed, most of the mass of the projectile is converted into energy through the force of the impact, creating dramatic damage to the target without relying on the energy of the projectile head explosion. The conversion of mass into energy is extremely large: for example, a projectile weighing about 3 kg, hitting at a number Maxa 5 (about 1700 m / s), will release damaging energy equivalent to detonation when hit by a cruise missile warhead TOMAHAWK.

The main design considerations for railguns dictate certain conditions: they must be constructed from strong conductive materials, such that the rails can withstand the enormous loads caused by the extreme impulse heating from the high current load and the friction of the accelerating projectile as it rushes between the rails.The rails must withstand both the recoil force and the lateral forces pushing them apart without bending or otherwise deforming, and thus must be durable and securely installed.

Power supply considerations are of paramount importance. A compatible power supply must deliver extremely high current pulses, measured in joules, to provide sufficient muzzle energies to propel the projectile at muzzle velocities suitable for military use. The trigger also becomes extremely hot due to the stresses experienced by the barrel during firing, including friction, which also has an ablative effect on the inside of the trigger (wear). This dictates that such blocks not only must be made of heat-resistant materials, but must also be installed or placed in a case with delayed heating or heat-dissipating matrix, for example, from composite multilayer materials, which are used in the latest prototypes.

The electromagnetic railgun technology was researched in the warfare laboratory for technological strike control initiatives DARPA during the research and development of SRI core technologies over two decades ago. Vision CO Andrequired the development of orbital deployable electromagnetic railguns to track and destroy incoming intercontinental ballistic missiles ( ICBM ) with a nuclear warhead during the decisive stage of acceleration to the separation of their cluster warheads with individual guidance of each element on the specified targets ( MIRV ). However, with the end of the Cold War, interest in railguns turned to other planned military uses for the technology.

One planned for the near future application of electromagnetic rail gun technology is to improve the next generation naval artillery and sea-based missiles. In the US Navy program and concept marines In terms of the forces and means of the navy of the 21st century, the United States pays great attention to the rapid deployment of troops on a global scale by aircraft carrier battle groups and the conduct of coastal combat operations. According to the relevant doctrines "Sea Strike" and "Sea Shield" of the system EMRG are seen as the key to achieving rapid dominance in the transfer of troops from the coastal zone to the interior of the conflict, including options for the situation of military operations in an urbanized area ( MOUT ). This is explained by hyperkinetic the weaponry complements and integrates with the reduced radar, thermal and acoustic signatures of future surface warships, and those that promise compactness and a low mass-to-volume ratio. Settings EMRG will possibly replace or supplement the offensive and defensive ship systems currently in use, which include CIWS (low-altitude barrage air defense / missile defense system) and long-range and short-range missile systems, including SLCM (cruise missiles sea ​​based).

Although the armament EMRG will be easily installed on future all-electric platforms equipped with an integrated combat system, including a power plant capable of instantly diverting energy from a traction motor to a rail gun to provide a planned rate of fire of six rounds per minute, existing naval ships will require significant modernization to supply weapons with energy .

Figure 1 - The "epoch-making" recording was made on January 18, 2008 at the Research Center for Surface Warfare of the US Naval Research Directorate in Dahlgren , PCS. Virginia, when the test (experimental) model of the gun EMRG fired an aluminum projectile with a muzzle energy of 10.68 MJ and initial speed 2520 m/s. The projectile was an arrow-shaped submunition enclosed in an armature with a pallet, which is separated from the projectile immediately after leaving the guide. Demo Energy EMRG was later brought to the level of 32 MJ.

Figure 2 - Working diagram of an electromagnetic rail gun.

Be that as it may, the idea of ​​a projectile moving at a speed equal to the number Max a7.5 for ranges in excess of 200 nautical miles is certainly attractive. Although the experimental plans for the installation of the gun EMRG to the then class ship DD (X) that was done have since been closed, but the program remains in operation as a technology demo.

Figure 3 - An imaginary weapon installation scheme EMRG on board

the then naval ship DD(X).

The use of railguns in ground combat has also been explored for decades, in fact since the development of the technology began in the early 20th century, their use was initially considered as a replacement for cannon artillery. In addition, technological projections have long included the replacement of the tank's main armament with railgun-based systems. In the case of armored vehicles and gun platforms, the main advantages and inherent difficulties more or less corresponded to those considered for naval ships. Transition to systems based EMRG offered the prospect of marked improvements in projectile useful range, ultimate efficiency and ballistic accuracy, but on the other hand, the concomitant need to provide each shot with a huge amount of electrical energy, which must be provided immediately on demand, causes a huge technical problem.

Figure 4 - Schematic representation of the firing process

from the EMRG gun against ground targets.

Even beyond these problems, a particular problem that can prevent the emergence of field-adapted systems EMRG , makes them compatible with the ever-increasing focus on end-trajectory guided precision munitions. The huge accelerating forces acting on a projectile fired at a muzzle velocity of more than 2500 m/s present a major engineering and design challenge in the development of on-board sensors and processor-based guidance systems, plus the difficult-to-determine aerodynamic forces that arise and act on external control surfaces.

Directional weapons - general considerations

A curious technological paradox: although a directional weapon ( DEW ) is inherently more complex than electromagnetic systems, research and development programs on directional weapons systems have already led to production-ready versions of systems suitable for field use.

Unlike conventional weapons, which use the kinetic or chemical energy (or both) of projectiles designed to destroy a target, directed systems convert electrical or chemical energy into beam or pulse energy, which has a lethal effect that can be controlled by the operator. With this definition, directional weapons may also contain systems that are based on other principles in addition to electromagnetic energy, such as the impact on the target of acoustic waves and hydraulic/particle systems. However, these types are of limited interest because they do not operate at or near the speed of light. Current types of directional weapons are based solely on the principles of electromagnetic energy and include laser systems, beam (beam) weapon systems (BRT) and radio frequency (RF) / high power microwave (HPM) systems, each of which emits energy that moves in the direction of the target at the speed of light (or close to it in the case of beam weapons). Directional weapons cover the area of ​​systems from tactical laser systems to active interdiction systems (ADS), based on millimeter wave radiation; due to the physical nature of their radiation sources, lasers are single (point) target weapons, while RF/HPM sources have "radar-like" antenna patterns and are therefore considered area strike weapons.

Since directional weapons are based on radiated energy, the operator may be able to modify the beam to achieve specific results. The operator controls the intensity, duration and wavelength and thus the focusing of the beam. This control can provide the operator with very precise control of any firing. The ability of a directional weapon to interact with targets in a new and unique way is what makes it a transformable weapon. At low power levels, directed energy can have a non-lethal effect on electronic equipment and personnel, that is, it provides enough energy to cause a malfunction in the performance of a task (sometimes called " soft kill » - failure of electronic equipment). However, at high yields, directional weapons can provide enough energy to "burn through" the skins of aircraft and missiles or cause undermining of warheads.

Figure 5 - Proposed by the firm Raytheon area defense laser system ( LADS ) is designed to replace short-range object defense weapons system PHALANXCIWS for the purpose of its use on board the ship and in countering missiles / artillery / mortars ( C-RAM ) when using existing technical means systems PHALANX. LADS system consists of a 20 kW fiber laser IPG Photonics research laboratory BBC (AFRL) ) mounted on top PHALANX.

In addition to the inherent scalability directional weapons have a number of unique characteristics that make them attractive in both tactical and strategic operations:

Shooting at the speed of light. This fundamentally refers to the slowest part of the modern cycle from detection to destruction, that is, the delay due to the dependence of military platforms and weapons systems on the speeds of jet engines or black powder detonation / deflagration and on the projectile speeds of ballistic weapons. A directional weapon gives the user the ability to deliver energy to a target at the speed of light, thus matching the rate of fire to other elements of the spot-and-hit cycle;

Simplified shelling trajectory calculations without the need to take into account gravitational force or aerodynamic drag;

Ultra-precise targeting maximum ranges shooting (especially for laser weapons);

Low cost per shot;

The so-called "deep store" (except for chemical lasers). As long as there is electrical energy available to power a directional weapon, it will be capable of firing at targets, unlike cannons and rocket launchers, which are limited by the supply of ammunition. However, this does not apply to chemical lasers, which are limited by their unique fuel supply;

Dual use as sensors.

Directional weapon systems also have negative characteristics that must be taken into account when using. These include sensitivity to conductive material for RF transmission and atmospheric scattering from dust, humidity and turbulence. It is also difficult to control and focus the beam at the highest frequency beams. Needless to say, all directional weapons are, by definition, line-of-sight systems and therefore cannot be used in indirect fire mode to engage targets in cover, behind cover, etc.

The combination of positive and negative characteristics of the use of directed energy makes it possible to supplement such systems with conventional ammunition systems in the entire spectrum of military tasks, but not to replace them.

1 - diode pumping; 2 - heat removal.

Figure 6 - Schematic architecture of a high energy laser ( HEL).

Figure 7 - Study of the possible installation of a medium-energy laser weapon on an armored combat vehicle AFV combined with regular

guns and missiles.

laser weapons

Programs aimed at developing laser weapons technology began to take real shape in the first decade after the initial advances in laser technology in the 1960s, gaining momentum in stages that increased the power of lasers and thus the potential for military applications, for example, the invention of the first excimer laser in 1970, the advent of gas lasers about five years later, pulsed lasers and X-rayslasers in the next decade (the latter was the main laser technology being considered for use CO Andspace based). Similar work was also carried out in the USSR that existed at that time, which led to the creation of experimental test benches. THEL (tactical high energy laser) at several sites, including a missile rangeSary Sagan , in the mid-1980s. These samples were tested in the role of anti-satellite weapons ( ASAT).

Although the work did not lead to anything in practical terms, some other less ambitious programs were supported, and some of them are now approaching operational readiness. What follows is a brief overview of some important contemporary work.

Figure 8 - MIRACL (promising chemical laser operating in the mid-IR region of the spectrum), developed by the US Navy in the 1980s, is a deuterium fluoride laser that can provide output

power over a megawatt and maintain it for 70 seconds.

Airborne laser system ( ABL)

Airborne laser system ( ABL ), which was created on the basis of a prototype YAL -1 test bench of a demonstration model of advanced technology ( AC T D ), first launched in the 1980s, is a development under a high energy laser program that still exists and continues to be tested and evaluated towards possible full development by the US Air Force ( USAF ) systems for use in defense against ballistic missiles ( bmd ) (missile interception on the upper stage of the trajectory). At the end of May 2008, the general contractor - the firm Boeing Integrated Defense Systems and associated firms Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman along with the US Missile Defense Administration, which oversaw the program ABL , completed the first test of ground-based laser actuation at an air force base Edwards in pcs. California. The previous pilot phase was completed in February 2008, also in Edwards when installing all six modules of a chemical oxygen-iodine laser (COIL) on a modified 747-400F aircraft, which will be the main means of activating the weapons of the system ABL and one of the key technologies behind this system. Program ABL has now entered a new phase of development leading to a missile down test in 2009, during which the system will fire and intercept a ballistic missile at the launch site.

In the ABL system used that the firm Boeing describes it as a "dual path method" in which it uses low power beam steering and fire control systems to track and prioritize targets, and a high power tactical laser to destroy those targets. The aft half of the aircraft houses a high-energy laser designed and manufactured by Northrop Grumman , and the front half contains a beam control / fire control system developed by lockheed martin , and a combat control system manufactured by Boeing.

Figure 9 - System tower ball joint kit ABL megawatt

class shown during installation. This kit has been installed

on the YAL-1A aircraft.

Figure 10 - Demonstration sample YAL-1A ABL,

you can see the mirror of the laser weapon.

FromTHELtoHELTD

With regard to tactical combat systems, the high energy tactical laser system demonstrator ( THEL ), based on a chemical laser, was developed on a joint US-Israeli initiative and successfully fired in the US and Israel between 1998 and the controversial program cancellation in 2006, which confirmed the system's ability to be used against a range of threats, including missiles. "Katyusha”, mortar ammunition and artillery shells. Firm Northrop Grumman currently continues to develop at his own expense a combat system called SKY GUARD (sky defense), and Israel is reportedly researching weapons using a solid-state laser for the same use in countering C - RAM.

Figure 11 - Artillery rocket "Katyusha" destroyed by a demonstration laser THEL during testing in 1996.

There seems to be a general consensus that solid-state lasers ( SSL ), rather than chemical ones, are the best solution for using high energy tactical laser systems in the field. However, one should be aware that the current goal of developing solid-state lasers is to provide a power level more than an order of magnitude lower than modern chemical lasers (and close to two orders of magnitude in the near term). Although beam quality and other factors can compensate to some extent for the difference in power level, this will require a significant investment.

Space and Missile Defense Command of the Ground Forces / Strategic Command of the Ground Forces ( USASMD FROM/ARSTRAT ) The US is leading the way in addressing these challenges through the development of several alternative laboratory devices SSL under the general program for the creation of a high-power solid-state laser ( JHPSSL ) in collaboration with the Army Research Laboratory, the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Naval Research Office and the Joint High Energy Laser Technology Division ( HEL JTO ) Office of the Minister of Defense ( OSD ). The aim of the program JHPSSL is the development and demonstration of alternative solid-state lasers with diffraction-limited 100-kW class direct-pumped beam, which have architectures that are suitable for use as tactical weapons from land, air and sea platforms. In December 2005 USASMD FROM/ARSTRAT entered into contracts with companies Northrop Grumman Space Technologies and Textron Systems to demonstrate such devices in the lab by December 2008.

Figure 12 - In December 2007, the firm Northrop Grumman demonstrated the first laser system as a key element of a general high power solid state laser ( JHPSSL). JHPSSL system designed to combine eight of these laser systems from four separate modules each. Each laser system is a compact 15kW solid state laser and the entire system layout has the potential to reach over 100kW.

USASMD Command FROM/ARSTR AT also began developing a technological demonstration sample of a high-energy laser ( HEL TD ), which will provide a mobile weapon system using a solid-state laser capable of countering rockets, artillery and mortar shells by 2013. Program HEL TD will integrate a solid-state laser, a beam steering system, an electrical power source, thermal management, and command, control, and communications elements on a tactical wheeled vehicle. Although the initial possibilities HEL TD will be limited to tasks C-RAM , they can be expanded in the future to provide air and missile defense against a number of air targets, as well as to provide non-kinetic damaging factors against a variety of military equipment.

Demo Development Program HEL TD provides for three stages. Stage I covered contracting in FY2007 with firms Boeing and Northrop Grumman for the development of a wear-resistant beam steering system ( BCS ) on the machine platform. Stage II completes the development and production of the system BCS , installing it on the platform of the machine and testing, and evaluating the installation of a high-energy laser system ( HELSTF ) at the missile range White Sands. Stage III system development will be completed HEL TD , manufacturing, integration and testing of a mobile demonstrator in an appropriate tactical environment.

Figure 13 - Purpose of work on HEL TD - demonstrate that a mobile weapon system using a solid-state laser can effectively counter rockets, artillery and mortar shells. The ongoing work of the present time will ensure a successful

transition to a developed program of procurement of ground forces.

Figure 14 - Critical issues in weapons development at

solid state laser.

High-energy liquid laser of the area defense system ( HELLADS)

The goal of the program is to create an area defense system using a high-energy liquid laser ( HELLADS ) currently implemented by the Department of Defense Advanced Planning Office ( DARPA ), is the development of a weapon system based on a high-energy laser (150 kW) with a mass reduction of an order of magnitude compared to existing laser systems. At a given mass< 5 кг/кВт система HELLADS will provide the ability to install such high-energy lasers on tactical aircraft and significantly increase the firing range compared to ground-based systems.

HELLADS program completes the development and demonstration of a revolutionary small-sized high-energy laser that achieves the goal of a lightweight and compact high-energy laser weapon system. A target monobloc laser module with integrated power and thermal management is being developed, manufactured and will demonstrate an output power of >34kW. The test element, which represents half of the laser unit, was fabricated and used to characterize system losses, performance, and diode reliability. This test block has now been extended to a monobloc element; Based on the results of the demonstration of such an element, additional laser modules will be fabricated to produce a 150 kW laser to be demonstrated in a laboratory setting. The 150kW laser will then be integrated with existing beam steering systems to produce a demonstrator laser weapon system. The ability to fire at tactical targets such as surface-to-air missiles and unguided missiles will be demonstrated.

Promising tactical laser ( ATL)

In June 2008 the firm Boeing successfully conducted test firing of a tactical aircraft weapon, which is a thin-disk laser system, as part of a program to develop and arm a prototype US transport aircraft with an advanced tactical laser ( ATL ) on an initiative basis. Work began in January 2006 with the delivery of the S-130N transport aircraft from the 46th Test Wing US Air Force stationed at crest view , PCS. Florida, near the air force base Eglin . Transport aircraft ATL C -130, armed with laser weapons, is designed to conduct military operations in an environment settlements. Laser weapons are capable of delivering lethal and non-lethal effects and can be fired from a rotating turret located at the bottom of the aircraft.

Figure 15 - An experienced C-130 aircraft armed with a laser, equipped with a system ATL (promising tactical laser).ATL provides firing from a rotating turret protruding from the bottom of the aircraft.

Figure 16 - Laser installation ATL aboard an armed

transport aircraft C-130.

Laser system of neutralization of ammunition - HLONS ( ZEUS)

HLONS system (laser system for the neutralization of ammunition on the machine HMMWV ), commonly known as ZEUS , was designed to neutralize ground mines, unexploded ordnance ( UXO ) and improvised explosive devices ( IED ). Work under this program was joint for firms Sparta Inc. and Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division and was based on a commercial 10-kW solid-state laser and a beam steering system. Its action was to heat the ammunition - the target to a point that causes ignition and combustion of the ammunition charge.

During testing and use, the system ZEUS destroyed more than 1600 ammunition 40 different types with over 98% success. In March 2003, the system ZEUS was deployed to Afghanistan for six months to demonstrate its mine action capabilities in a combat situation; it was used at the air baseBagramand cleared over 200 munitions (including 51 munitions in 100 minutes) of ten different types. In March 2005, the system ZEUS was deployed in Iraq to assist in the destruction of improvised explosive devices as a defense concept for a convoy of three vehicles.

Figure 17 - System HLONS ZEUS demonstrates its ability to accurately use laser energy to destroy unexploded ammunition (UXO ) at safe distances.

Opportunities for other uses of the achievements of the laser program

Another modern application of laser technology (outside the weapon system in the strict sense of the term), which has already reached an operational level, is the class DIRCM (measures of directed counteraction to IR means) airborne self-defense means. In these systems, laser radiation (the source is a conventional diode-pumping device) is directed at the homing head of an incoming air-to-air or ground-to-air missile with an IR guidance system, effectively "blinding" it, which leads to a violation of the flight path or failure of light-sensitive controls.

Figure 18 - Csystem AN/AAQ-24 NEMESIS DIRCM (targeted measures to counter IR means), installed on the Dutch combathelicopter AH-64 APACHE).

Another class of lasers that may have tactical applications are the aforementioned shortened pulsed lasers (also known as fiber lasers). These devices are receiving considerable attention due to the compactness that systems based on this design can achieve and due to the proposed modification of the technology for the so-called "lightning" guns. Some private sector developers are currently involved in research into shorter length pulsed lasers, which has been initiated by the Combat Control Laboratory. DARPA at the University of Central Florida to develop lasers. FirmRaydiance Inc. of Petaluma , PCS. California, announced the productiondesktop- the size of the unit that uses fiber optics and electronic software mechanical controls for unit miniaturization. another developer, Optima Technology Group , developed what he called a mobile energy device MEDUSA . This machine-mounted source of directed energy, reportedly similar to the company's predecessor "lightning gun" Ionatron Corporation, uses technology short-pulse laser as a directed energy transfer device by sending high-voltage discharges through conductive channels punched in ionized air oxygen, which, according to the firm, act as "virtual wires" to transmit "man-made fire" to precisely directed impact points. Recreated as Applied Energeticsthe firm is currently focusing on developing the use of directional weapons through the use of a fixed price contract 1 million dollars to develop systems to counter improvised explosive devices based on a platform with directed energy.

The so-called "dazzler" lasers were the first directional weapons ( DEW ), which was used in actual combat during the Falklands War when ships of the British navy used them against Argentine pilots. Blinding laser weapons have been tested in the past but have since been banned under the 1995 UN Protocol. Research and development work has accordingly been refocused on systems regarded as intended for " disorientation” and “temporary blinding” of a living target, which allow this regulation to be circumvented in this way.

Figure 19 - PHASR (strike back to stop and stimulate personnel) is an experimental non-lethal laser dazzler developed by the Directed Energy Division of the US Air Force Research Laboratory. This acronym is deliberately reminiscent of phase rotationbeam weapon exercises " star trek and, besides, the formsci- fi rifles does not reflect the actual purpose or characteristics.

Figure 20 - Laser dazzler GLARE B.E. Myers is by far the smallest existing system DEW , as well as the most widely used system. Although its presence has gone virtually unnoticed, thousands of systems GLARE used by US troops in Afghanistan and Iraq for non-lethal short-range disorientation of enemy people.

Low Energy RF Systems ( RF/ HPM)

Relatively low energy RF systems were developed as non-lethal weapons designed to perform the task of influencing the enemy in order to reduce his active role. Such a system in which the device is used millimeter wave radiation to cause a non-relieving/short-term burning sensation on the skin is the system ADS (active inhibition system) developed by Raytheon and supplied by the company to the market under the name SILENT GUARDIAN . According to the firm, the system's antenna directs a focused beam millimeter wave(95 GHz) of energy that, on impact, penetrates the skin to a depth of 1/64 inch (0.397 mm), producing an unbearable sensation of heat that causes people who are struck to run or hide. This sensation ceases immediately, according to the manufacturer, as soon as the person moves away from the beam or the operator moves the beam away. Firm Raytheon states that the system SILENT GUARDIAN does not cause injury due to low penetration depth millimeter wave waves and safety features provided in the system, but the volunteers participating in the tests say that the debate about the duration of exposure to "painful rays" continues.

In 2002 the system ADS was provided to demonstrate advanced concept technology ( ACTD) as an ADS system 1 and was integrated into the mobile layout on the machine HMMWV . The final stage ACTD , extended user rating ( EUE ), completed in September 2007 and led to the development containerized variant named as ADS 2 and placed on the chassis (8x8) of a truck, more suitable for military applications. Starting in fiscal year 2008, with support from the Office of Joint Development of Non-Lethal Weapons, the Air Force Weapons Development Center has led a collaborative effort to ensure the transition from ACTDto justify the official program.

VIGILANT EAGLE is an airfield defense system based on a microwave weapon designed to counter surface-to-air missiles.Equipped to counter terrorists equipped with man-portable missiles launchers(MANPADS), at civilian airports, according to Raytheon, this system creates a "protection dome" around airports equipped with this system by exposing any incoming missiles with electromagnetic energy, providing " retargeting» missiles from their intended target. System VIGILANT EAGLE has three main components: a subsystem for distributed detection and missile tracking ( MDT ), a command and control system (С2), an electronically scanned active array antenna ( AESA ), consisting of an in-phase multivibrator flat-reflector antenna coupled to solid-state amplifiers that generate their own electromagnetic waveform, which the firm claims Raytheon , interferes with guidance systems MANPADS and deflects incoming projectiles from the aircraft (target). According to the company Raytheon , field tests confirmed the effectiveness of the waveform system VIGILANT EAGLE as a countermeasure against the threat MANPADS.

Figure 21 - System demo Raytheon ADS 2 on the chassis (8x8) of a truck was delivered to the US Air Force in September 2007. The Air Force is leading the effort to move the concept from technology demonstration to series production.

Figure 22 - Operating principle of the system VIGILANT EAGLE

against MANPADS missiles.

A special example is the RF class ( RF ) munitions known as electromagnetic bombs or e - bombs , which strike electronic and digital systems by emitting powerful conventional electromagnetic pulses ( N-N-EMP ) affecting the solid-state integrated circuit ( IC ), the strength of which is insufficient against these influences. The pulse energy released by electromagnetic systems penetrates the plastic shell of integrated circuits, causing the destruction of fragile structures embedded in their silicon matrices, "roasting", thus overheating electronic systems that provide information processing.

AT electromagnetic bombs ah, the existence of which is classified quite well, but proven in words, reportedly use the technology of generating power by pumping energy with an explosion ( EFCG ) to create current loads that are considered to be several orders of magnitude greater than a directed lightning strike. The bursting charge starts a generator that creates a significant burst of electromagnetic pulses (EMP) at the moment the ammunition detonates. While rumors of the use of electromagnetic bombs during the Gulf War and "Shock and Awe" air strikes against Iraq in March 2003 to disable sections of Baghdad's power grid seem unfounded, thanks to other exotic munitions technologies that could give the same results, there seems to be no reason to doubt that the technological basis for electromagnetic bombs is fully viable.

Although they are not weapons in the strict sense of the term, there is a growing interest in high power microwave (HPM) sources as systems for neutralizing improvised explosive devices (IEDs). IED ) and other explosive traps by jamming them remote control or (i) a detonation system and thus prevent them from detonating or causing premature detonation.

Figure 23 - FirmRheinmetallin cooperation with the company Diehl BGT Defensedeveloped a system to counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs) IED ), based on high-power electromagnetic / ultra-wideband ( HPEM/UWB ) technologies. The system is capable of simultaneously suppressing all communication channels from several MHz to 3 GHz, thus preventing the detonation of remotely controlled IED and at the same time can cause forced detonation IED driven by sensors.

conclusions

Weapons that move damaging energy at the speed of light have captured the imagination of mankind since time immemorial in the form of mythological representations, such as Zeus' lightning strikes orVajrain the hands of the fire god Indra, and may even have been realized to some extent in ancient warfare by devices such as the burning mirrors of Archimedes. At present, technological development and innovation has resulted in the creation of several prototypical and field-ready systems utilizing the electrically assisted movement of striking energy at ultra-high speed - hyperkinetic action and directional weapons for tactical use. These systems are attracting the attention of war planners and defense policy makers as they promise transformative improvements to many existing types of chemical munitions, including improved accuracy, strike at light speed, increased lethality, more flexible deployment, and lower manufacturing costs. deployment and operation of such systems compared to current systems.

Laser and other directional weapons are predicted to be significantly more accurate than even the most accurate guided weapons. laser beam or global positioning system ( GPS ) aircraft bombs, providing a circular deflection probability of less than an inch. This will be of great importance not only on the conventional battlefield, but also mainly in asymmetric warfare, with emphasis on minimizing collateral damage. Another advantage of directional weapons in such actions is their inherent scalability. In general, it is also recognized that chemical munitions have reached a theoretical ceiling at which significant improvement in their effectiveness cannot be expected, making replacement with superior technology necessary.

On the other hand, weapons SOL (at the speed of light) has several drawbacks. The first and most obvious is that while modern prototypes of first line systems such as the navy's CIWS (low altitude air defense/missile defense system) and ABL (airborne laser system) have shown significant superiority over previous technological prototype systems , none of them seem to be ready for actual production and deployment anytime soon. When EMRG (electromagnetic railgun) some of the system components, mainly the projectile control surfaces and the integrated guidance electronics currently present development challenges that seem insurmountable, at least for now. And although the system ABL how a successful platform promises to counteract ballistic missiles on critical boost trajectories, it will still be years away from deployment, even if it passes a new round of tests with a score that could be called a "brilliant victory."

While the effectiveness of light-speed weapon systems against threats such as in-flight guided missiles or other aerial platforms such as pilot aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles ( UAV ) is likely to be larger in most cases than conventional munitions, there is no evidence that these new weapon classes will be as effective against many of the other traditional military targets against which chemical munitions are used, such as buildings, bridges, underground shelters, and others. massive structures. Therefore, even after the hypothetical advent of the age of "weapons at the speed of light", it is unlikely that conventional and nuclear explosives and platforms for their delivery will inevitably cease to be used. In addition, these very electromagnetic forces, which provide new types of weapons, threaten to create massive radiation. TEMPEST , which have an increased detection risk compared to current weapon systems.

Technological innovations will either prove themselves viable within military policy or cease to exist. Global Transformation Initiatives future concept Defense Forces currently consider the development of weapons at the speed of light as a top priority for next-generation combat systems. Whether these lofty expectations will come true is a question that only the future itself can ultimately answer.

David Alexander

Advances in Electromagnetic /Directed Energy Weapon Systems

Military Technology, 2008, vol. XXXII, No 9.