High-Energy Laser (HEL) Weapons

Abstract

Laser weapon projects have always been shrouded by very tight security. In spite of this, it is possible to follow the general lines, at least, of the high-energy laser (HEL) weapon research field through the open literature. This is especially the case with the development of different laser projects in the United States. Most of the following discussion and evaluation refers to well-publicized U.S. programs. However, this should not lead anyone to believe that the laser weapon business is mainly an American affair. Much work is going on not only in other Western countries but also in the Eastern bloc. Even though our information from the Russian part of the former Soviet Union on the state of their laser technology is very sparse, there can be no doubt that they are working very hard to actualize laser weapon ideas. According to David Isby, author of Weapons and Tactics of the Soviet Army, in 1988 the Soviets were at about the same level as, or even more advanced than, the West in the development of offensive laser weapons. He has also stated that the Soviets had begun practicing weapon applications with a variety of laser technologies that are still in the realm of pure scientific research in the United States.