Low-Energy Antipersonnel and Antisensor Laser (LEL) Weapons

Abstract

Laser devices have found extensive military use in the last 20 years. A steadily increasing number of laser designators, range finders, and other systems are presently being fielded. Today, such low-energy laser (LEL) systems are common battlefield tools in most combat units. Some of the lasers in their present configurations may already be technically suitable for use against the eyes of enemy soldiers and even against some of the enemy’s electro-optical sensors. This is especially the case with target designators and most range finders. However, it is questionable if it is worthwhile to use present-day lasers in any systematic fashion as effective weapons. Even if range finders and designators are dangerous to eyes and sensors, most are not designed to be powerful enough to be considered cost-effective laser weapons. In spite of this drawback, today’s lasers certainly represent a threat to soldiers using magnifying optics, and the deliberate use of present-day lasers as weapons will create, if not a serious threat, at least, a nuisance hazard in that they will deter forward observers and others from using magnifying optics. The future potential of present laser devices as weapons is clearly revealed by the existence of the very far-reaching safety regulations we have established already. The nominal ocular hazard distances (NOHD) for some typical laser devices listed in Table 6.1 illustrate the magnitude of the problem.