Directed energy technology overview

I would like to summarize where we are in the development of High-Energy Laser weapons systems. The feasibility of shooting down rockets, artillery, and mortars (RAM) targets with a high energy chemical laser was demonstrated with the Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL) program over 10 years ago. Although the THEL demonstration was success, the logistics and safety issues associated with the chemicals used to power the laser made it impractical for use as a fielded weapons system for the Army. To overcome these issues, emphasis shifted towards the development of solid-state lasers as they are electrically powered.