Directed-energy weapon

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Warszawa, Marsz Niepodległości 2011 06

Pischal-Pro anti-UAV gun at Dubai Airshow 2019

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US Navy 100119-N-0365D-001 Members of the Directed Energy and Electric Weapon Systems Program Office fire a laser through a beam director on a Kineto Tracking Mount, controlled by a MK-15 Phalanx Close-In Weapons System

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Archimedes Heat Ray conceptual diagram

Directed-energy weapon (DEW) refers to a type of weapon that emits energy in an aimed direction without the means of a projectile. It transfers energy to a target for the purpose of damaging or incapacitating it. DEWs can come in various forms, including lasers, microwaves, and particle beams. These weapons are distinguished by their ability to deliver energy to a target at the speed of light, making them highly effective for precision targeting and reducing collateral damage.

Types of Directed-Energy Weapons

Lasers

Laser weapons emit highly focused beams of light and can be used to damage, destroy, or disable targets by heating them to the point of combustion or melting. They have applications in anti-missile systems, air defense, and counter-UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) measures.

Microwave Weapons

Microwave weapons, also known as high-power microwave (HPM) weapons, emit focused electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency band. They are primarily intended for disrupting or disabling electronic equipment and can also be used for crowd control as a non-lethal weapon.

Particle Beams

Particle beam weapons use beams of atomic or subatomic particles. This type of DEW is theorized to cause damage at the atomic level, disrupting the structure of the target material. However, practical deployment of particle beam weapons faces significant technological challenges.

Applications

Directed-energy weapons have a range of military, security, and law enforcement applications. They offer precision targeting, minimal collateral damage, and a low cost per shot compared to conventional weapons. DEWs are also being explored for missile defense, with systems like the Laser Weapon System (LaWS) being tested for ship defense against drones, aircraft, and small boats.

Advantages and Limitations

The primary advantage of directed-energy weapons is their ability to strike targets at the speed of light, which is particularly useful against fast-moving or distant targets. They also offer stealth advantages, as many DEWs produce little to no sound and have no visible projectile.

However, DEWs face several limitations, including high energy consumption, the need for precise targeting systems, and atmospheric conditions that can scatter or absorb the energy beam, reducing its effectiveness.

Ethical and Legal Considerations

The development and deployment of directed-energy weapons raise ethical and legal questions, particularly regarding their use in law enforcement and potential for causing indiscriminate harm. International law and treaties may need to evolve to address the unique challenges posed by these weapons.

Future Development

Research and development in the field of directed-energy weapons continue, with the aim of overcoming current limitations and enhancing their effectiveness. Advances in power generation, beam focusing, and targeting technologies are critical for the future deployment of DEWs in both military and civilian contexts.