Northrop Grumman has Supplied a Robust Miniature Laser Weapon to the US Government

Northrop Grumman has provided the US government with a compact, high-energy laser system named the Phantom. This development hints at the prospect of future laser weaponry that combines potency with the ability to withstand harsh field conditions, marking a significant advancement.

The military finds lasers highly appealing due to their potential to revolutionize warfare, enabling rapid engagement of targets at the speed of light, all at the minimal cost of one dollar per shot. Up until recently, most focus has centered on the laser beam itself: increasing its power for effectiveness, refining targeting capabilities, and ensuring precise beam control over extended distances.

The Phantom’s Focus on Practicality in Laser Weaponry

Nevertheless, there’s another crucial aspect that the Phantom addresses. Regardless of its power and effectiveness, a laser weapon is practically useless if it’s a massive, fragile contraption resembling a complex amalgamation of antique radio components and a Meccano set, weighing several tons.

While the Phantom’s 10-kilowatt output may not dazzle in comparison to Lockheed Martin’s recent 300-kilowatt weapon, it boasts the advantage of occupying just 12 cubic feet (0.3 cubic meters) and weighing less than 200 pounds (90 kilograms). This remarkable lightness and compactness allow it to be lifted and installed by two individuals. Furthermore, its durability ensures it can withstand rough handling.

The Phantom isn’t a complete laser weapon; it’s essentially a laser generator, more like a plug-and-play component. To transform it into a fully functional weapon system, it requires connection to a power source and the necessary targeting and focusing optics to direct the beam accurately.

Balancing Power, Size, and Durability in Laser Weaponry Development

The challenge at hand is to simultaneously enhance the power output of compact, rugged lasers and shrink the size of potent lasers while maintaining durability. When these two advancements converge, a genuinely effective laser weapon system is achieved.

Robert Fleming, Vice President and General Manager of Strategic Space Systems, emphasizes, “Through the miniaturization of this advanced capability, we are broadening the applicability of our technology and maintaining our leadership in high-energy lasers. Northrop Grumman leverages its expertise in directed energy to deliver an exceptionally compact, lightweight, and efficient laser solution for the benefit of our military personnel.”

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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