Three key US laser weapon programmes will reach major milestones early this year, with the first live ground-test firings of two relay mirror systems and the start of aircraft integration efforts for the US Special Operations Command-led Advanced Tactical Laser demonstration programme.
To start this month, the Aerospace Relay Mirror System firings will follow the successful completion of laboratory testing in the third quarter of 2005 and the assembly of a demonstrator at the Star Fire Optical Range at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. The system will be used to redirect a high-energy laser beam fired from a distance of 3.2km (1.7nm) to engage ground targets up to 2.5km away during the six-month test series.
Programme officials told last month’s IDGA Directed Energy Weapons conference in Washington DC that, if successful, they plan to demonstrate cruise missile engagement using redirected laser energy in late 2006 or early 2007. A larger version of the payload could eventually be carried by high-altitude airships and used to relay laser energy from the US Missile Defence Agency’s Boeing 747-400-based Airborne Laser (ABL) against distant airborne targets.
The related Tactical Relay Mirror System is expected to start live firing in April 2006 using a 10-25kW laser after passing a critical design review late last year. The system is designed to enable aerostats and medium-endurance unmanned air vehicles to conduct point and area defence duties by redirecting energy from a developmental solid-state laser.
An Advanced Tactical Laser advanced concept technology demonstration effort is meanwhile to enter aircraft integration next month, with Boeing to convert a Lockheed Martin NC-130H to serve as a trials platform.
The programme will use a chemical laser – similar to that being installed on the YAL-1 ABL – to engage ground targets. Ground-test firings of the aircraft-mounted weapon are planned to conclude in late 2006, with airborne firings to follow from the second quarter of 2007.
PETER LA FRANCHI/WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
