Date posted: 06/19/2008*

Raytheon is moving ahead with a demonstration program to show that a laser can equal or better the performance of traditional gun-based systems, with greater development potential and at reduced cost. The company’s Laser Area Defense System (LADS) uses the existing Phalanx platform, combined with current solid-state laser capability, to tackle the very real threat of mortars and Katyusha rockets.

Directed-energy development has been ongoing for many years, but the transition of technology from the laboratory to the warfighter has yet to occur. LADS is an effort to harness current laser technology to short-term military needs.

“Mortars are in the warfighter’s face right now,” says Mike Booen, vice president of Advanced Missile Defense and Directed Energy Weapons at Raytheon Missile Systems. “Troops in Iraq are facing the threat from mortars and Katyushas every day, and there is a critical requirement for this type of equipment. We know, because we are shipping land-based Phalanx systems to Iraq all the time.”

Rather than wait for further laser developments, Raytheon investigated what was possible with current technology. In 2006, the company tested a commercial-grade laser on a static mortar and proved that the laser could destroy mortars at tactically significant ranges.

Later this year, the Raytheon is scheduled to test LADS against flying mortars.

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