Israel has completed an initial phase of testing on a key part of the Nautilus laser gun system. The weapon is designed to destroy rockets in mid-trajectory.
The first tests were with the Elta-built search radar, a derivative of the Green Pine radar being developed by the Israelis as part of the Arrow anti-tactical ballistic missile system. All of the 55 Russian-made BM-21 rockets fired during the tests were tracked.
The radar is used to detect targets, but a highly accurate electro-optical system will be deployed for final targeting. The Nautilus is being designed as a trailer mounted mobile system. TRW of the USA is the prime contractor, with three Israeli companies acting as subcontractors. Rafael is developing a CO2 laser generator. The MBT and Elta divisions of Israel Aircraft Industries are developing the sensors and fire control elements and Tadiran is working on command and control units.
The operational system is expected to be capable of firing a laser beam up to a range of around 6km (3.7 miles).The weapon's prime aim is to combat salvos of artillery rockets and tactical ballistic missiles in their re-entry phase. Work is also being conducted on anti-aircraft applications. According to project sources, 3s of illumination by the laser beam will be sufficient for destruction of a target.
Source: Flight International
