Can only high-power single-mode fiber lasers break through all tactical laser weapons? Obviously not. Because this kind of “strapping” laser weapon cannot improve the brightness of the synthesized beam, and the beam quality is poor, the range is limited, and the volume is huge. This fiber laser weapon can only be loaded on a large platform such as a ship, but to be loaded on a fighter plane and ground vehicle, it needs to generate a laser with higher brightness and better beam quality, and a higher energy utilization rate. Coherent beam combining and optical phased array technologies.
The airborne laser pointer weapon “Holy Sword” project uses a 21-unit optical phased array, which combines 21 fiber laser beams into a single beam with a power efficiency of more than 35%. It also has an atmospheric compensation function to avoid atmospheric turbulence. The influence of the laser beam. In the test, this low-power array can accurately hit targets at a distance of 7 kilometers, which is more than 4 kilometers longer than existing laser weapons.
In addition, the “Lightning” project was launched, the combat targets of which are anti-photoelectric or infrared guided air-to-air missiles and surface-to-air missiles. The project uses a fiber laser array. The research and development goal is to use a laser weapon system that is 10 times lighter and more compact than the existing laser pointer weapon. Missile defense.
Therefore, only when China has made breakthroughs in high-power single-mode fiber lasers, beam coherent synthesis and optical phased array technology, can we see China’s tactical laser weapons appearing on PLA warships and combat vehicles in the near future. Even on combat aircraft like the J-20.
Laser weapons have been regarded as anti-satellite strategic weapons since their birth. During the Cold War, there were reports that the Soviet Union used green laser pointer weapons to attack satellites, and later it even tested the effects of laser weapons against satellites. On October 18, 1975, the Air Defense Command Control Center reported that the infrared detector of the 647 early warning satellite over the Indian Ocean was interfered with by a strong infrared flash from the western part of the Soviet Union and could not work normally. On November 17th and 18th, 1975, two data relay satellites of the Air Force ceased their work due to infrared interference from the Soviet Union. According to investigations, the infrared attitude controller failed.
On May 22, 1980, Thomas Ross, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, said at a press conference: The CIA and other intelligence agencies have found out that the Soviet Union is developing a laser weapon system that can destroy satellites. However, this research is also ongoing. The Soviet Union may be slightly ahead in terms of achieved power.