MK38 Tactical Laser System

摘要

High Energy Laser (HEL) technology offers an opportunity to fill capability needs that are unmet by current or potential future kinetic solutions. Such areas include future cruise missile defense for ships and carriers, and more near term threats such as countering surveillance UAVs and deterring small boat threats. The unique capabilities offered by HEL systems in the tactical mission areas are depth of 'magazine', truly scalable effects on target from less-lethal to lethal and improved range for target identification and discrimination. This paper describes a system that presents an opportunity for the US Navy to field a tactical HEL weapon in the near term. Entering HEL weapons into service with this early capability would enable the US Navy to assess requirements for future systems with appropriate laser power and capability.