White Sands Testing New Laser Close-in Weapon System (CIWS)

US Army on Aerospace and Defense Network ^ | Jan 30, 2009 | US Army

[Jeff Head]

White Sands Missile Range is testing a new weapon system known as the Laser Centurion Demonstrator.

The system, developed by Raytheon, combines proven radar and threat-detection technology with the latest in laser weapons. This demonstration model is intended to prove the capabilities and effectiveness of the new laser weapon as part of the Laser Area Defense Systems program, officials said.

The new laser system is designed to replace the 20mm cannon on the Navy's Phalanx system and the Army's Centurion system, according to Raytheon's Web site.

The integration of an advanced directed energy weapon into an existing conventional weapon system helps keep the system's costs down as well as allowing an easier transition from one system to another, officials said.

The Phalanx is an air and missile-defense system used on nearly every ship in the fleet. Converted to be transported and fired from a trailer, it is also used by the Army under the name Centurion to provide defense from air and missile threats as well as defense against mortar and artillery attacks. As an upgrade to the Phalanx and Centurion, the laser system is a program that is jointly funded by the Navy and Army. Other services are also interested in the laser itself for possible integration into other weapon systems.

"Directed energy is getting more and more prevalent in weapon systems," said Col. Bruce Lewis, White Sands Test Center commander.

Initial tests with the demonstrator have been positive. The laser has proven capable of rapidly penetrating armor plating even when not at full power, and system setup has been very easy.

"We are excited to be testing system capabilities by shooting down mortar rounds in the coming weeks," said Sal Rodriguez, senior flight test engineer with the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division, Sands Missile Range detachment. Rodriguez also thanked all the members of Team White Sands who have supported the program while it prepares to test the system.

The Laser Centurion will fill the same role as the conventional cannon-equipped version while providing a commander with more options and capabilities, officials said. The laser-based system will still be able to engage targets like mortars, rockets, and missiles, but without the drawbacks of limited ammunition. Also, since the laser does not use any kind of solid shot like the cannon, it can be used to better defend populated areas without the fear of the "20mm shower" that conventional air-defense guns cause when their bullets fall back to earth.

Since it is also able to be used against small surface targets, the laser will be able to be used in peacekeeping and anti-piracy missions without drawing the kind of attention a cannon would.

"At (short range) it's a nice deterrent, and without the big bang of a gun," said Lt. Shawn Mitchell, assistant officer in charge of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division's WSMR detachment.

[Dosa26]

Freakin’ awsome news for new navy carriers then. I wonder if the military has some new small design nuclear generators they aren’t talking about. That could change the world Maybee as much as the steam engine did.

[SuperLuminal]

Very exciting.

However, it is 50-50, at best, that the marxist hordes now in control will continue anything remotely related to the "star wars" concept.

Ronald Reagan has already been expunged from history taught in government schools.....now they have the control to remove all other traces.

[Fraxinus]

but wonder where the Army one will get its power from

Sheer speculation here, but this might be part of the reason the Army is investigating hybrid drive trains. The vehicle carrying the system may not by very mobile while firing and rate of fire may be less than that of the Navy version, but it will probably work. The other option that springs to mind is the base grid, if the system is being deployed in stationary settings.

[Jeff Head]

The new reactors for the carriers are awesome delivering 200-300% more power. They will need it for these weapons (and the follow-on charged particle weapons) as well as for the electro-magnetic catapaults they are developing to install on them.

[ridesthemiles]

Straight out of Stlas Shrugged!!!!!

[Centurion2000]

White Sands Missile Range is testing a new weapon system known as the Laser Centurion Demonstrator.

I LIKE the name :)

[myknowledge]

But it’s best for clear-weather use.

For foul-weather use, go for the traditional bullets.

[myknowledge]

Electric laser from a power generator.

Electric lasers can readily extract their power from a generator. OTOH, chemical lasers have to use chemical reactions from liquid chemicals stored in pressurized tanks.

[Sundog]

You can bet someone is working on mirror covered missiles.

[myknowledge]

The Topol-M (SS-27 Stalin) ICBM has resistance to laser beams.