Review of directed energy technology for countering rockets, artillery, and mortars (RAM) / Committee on Directed Energy Technology for Countering Indirect Weapons, Board on Army Science and Technology, Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences ; National Research Council of the National Academies.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on Directed Energy Technology for Countering Indirect Weapons.

Contributor:

National Research Council (U.S.). Board on Army Science and Technology.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Solid-state lasers.

High power lasers.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (43 p.)

Edition:

Abbreviated version.

Place of Publication:

Washington, D.C. : National Academies Press, c2008.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

The United States Army is looking for ways to defend against missile and mortar attacks. In this book, the National Research Council assesses a plan to create a 100 kW mobile, solid-state, laser weapon that could defend an area several kilometers in diameter. The NRC provides several recommendations: A 100 kW Laser is of limited value, so the program's goal should be a 400 kW weapon. The Army should proceed with the program in stages, focusing first on a rugged transportable platform for the weapon using existing 25 kW laser technology, then directing resources toward 100kW and 400 kW weapons. The Army should perform a detailed, quantitative study of the effectiveness of a high energy, solid-state laser weapon against future threats. The Army should continue to participate in U.S.-based and international research on high-energy lasers and related equipment. The committee found substantial benefits for the Army's solid-state laser program from other programs outside the Army. The Army should conduct risk-assessments that investigate the effects that a high energy laser may have on other airborne platforms in the vicinity of the target. The Army should study eye safety for both the operators of the laser and for civilians. The results of these studies should be integrated into the development of the weapon.

Contents:

""Preface""; ""Acknowledgment of Reviewers""; ""Contents""; ""Summary""; ""Appendixes""; ""Appendix A: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members""; ""Appendix B: Committee Meetings""; ""Appendix C: Abbreviations and Acronyms""; ""Appendix D: Definitions of Technology Readiness Levels""

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

ISBN:

0-309-17880-0

1-281-80024-4

9786611800246

0-309-11172-2

OCLC:

923279327