Raytheon LADS experimental HEL weapon

[Midnightnova]

Something I found that Raytheon is currently developing as a replacement for both Phalanx and SeaRAM.

It's a non-chemical based laser system, compatable with the Phalanx mount and FCS.

(Posted Image)

Not deployed operationally, but in tests has been able to intercept 60mm mortar rounds at 500 meters. Ammo lasts as long as you have power generation, and no laser fuels to worry about. (Not something I would really want to carry aboard ship)

Edit: Adjusted height of laser emitter unit for accuracy.

[erik_t]

Very interesting. Do you have additional information about this system? A link or three would be pretty awesome.

As for the drawing itself, I think it could use shading underneath the "big laser box".

[Midnightnova]

Here's the link to the company itself.

http://www.raytheon.com/newsroom/feature/s...ms04_025223.pdf

Looks very promising.

The first one I posted (The prototype for testing) is actually different from the planned operational version (as shown on Raytheon's PDF), have added both in the updated posting.

(Posted Image)

[Tacit]

Very, very interesting - and the use of Phalanx components is clever.

I notice that although it says LADS can be used for 'ship defence', Anti-ship missiles are not listed as potential targets.

I guess an armoured, supersonic P-700 GRANIT is a bit tougher to kill than a 60mm mortar round, but if LADS is developed....

[erik_t]

Well it's not as if Phalanx would be a hell of a lot better against said unmanned-kamikaze-MiG-21 (check the weights, it's shockingly close). As the USN found out decades before, against a target like that, nothing short of around 76mm is worthwhile.

[Midnightnova]

What would be interesting would be a combined defense mount, similar to the CADS-N-1 Kashtan. One or two LADS projectors combined with a missile launcher. SeaRAM or maybe ESSM.

The LADS would probably have an easier time taking down liquid fueled missiles, but yeah a P-700 would be a bit rough to deal with simply from the sheer mass.

[Mezinov]

I could see an individual ship not being able to do more than a medium-small aircraft launched missile, but if multiple LADS from multiple ships could work together on a single target, their destructive capability is limited only by how long the threat is in view.

[Midnightnova]

Hmm, that ability would work well with AEGIS. It definately seems meant for squadrons/TF's, as opposed to just lone ships.