Date posted: 03/06/2007*

Raytheon recently demonstrated a prototype solid-state laser weapon designed to defeat rockets, mortars and missiles at significant ranges. The Laser Area Defense System (LADS) combines the capabilities of the 20-millimeter Phalanx weapon system with the power and effectiveness of lasers to provide fast and precise search, track and engage capabilities for directing laser energy on target.

LADS builds on the Phalanx weapon system, of which Raytheon has produced more than 900 for 24 nations. In static ground testing conducted with the U.S. government, the LADS demonstration used a proven, off-the-shelf solid-state laser coupled with commercially available optics technology to detonate 60-millimeter mortars at a range greater than 550 yards within the required timeline.

“In just six short months, Raytheon and government engineers went from an idea to operational field testing of a solid-state laser system that offers the potential of near-term protection for our troops,” said Mike Booen, Missile Systems vice president of Advanced Missile Defense and Directed Energy Weapons. “Our solid-state LADS proves you don’t have to wait another three to five years for solid-state lasers to have military utility on the battlefield. They are ready now, with no chemicals required.”

The primary goal of the demonstration was to prove that lasers can protect warfighters against mortars. Secondary goals were to offer a near-term alternative to chemical lasers, which can create logistics challenges, and to prove that existing optical and targeting components can significantly lower total laser system costs and enable faster delivery to the warfighter.

Solid-state laser technology makes LADS safe to the environment, eliminates the need for caustic chemicals and reduces life-cycle cost. The system is highly mobile and can engage multiple targets at effective ranges. The laser system is powered by a commercially available generator or grid electricity and provides an extremely inexpensive method for countering mortar and rocket threats.

*The content on this page is classified as historical content. See this important information regarding such content.