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How battle lasers work
Israel has built and operated a complex missile defence system that includes a variety of detection systems and firing capabilities. This year, a radical new component, the Magen or Combat Laser Complex, should appear in its composition. It is expected that it will improve some of the features of the system while giving it new combat capabilities.
Anti-missile laser
Around 2010, Raphael and Erbit had already begun working on advanced lasers for air defense/missile defense. The project has been designated several times. The most famous name is Iron Beam / "Karen Bazel" / Light Shield.
The first results of the new project were unveiled in 2014. At the Singapore Air Show. The general appearance of the promising complex is revealed and its main functions and characteristics are named. Iron beams are said to strengthen Israel's existing missile defense system, becoming another means of interception in nearby areas. The basic advantages of such systems over existing air defense systems, such as lower operating costs or the ability to operate on aerodynamic targets, were also mentioned.
At that time, the experienced "Karen Bazell" was tested on the training ground, demonstrating its ability to fight against various targets. Various inspections and improvements to the complex continued until recently, with Raphael regularly reporting on its success.
The project, which was developed with the support of the Israeli Ministry of Defence, demonstrates its prospects. For a long time, however, it was only tested and improved, and the date of deployment of the laser was not revealed. This information was only revealed months ago.
Plans for this year
On February 1, Prime Minister Naftali Bene announced that a new anti-defense missile laser system would be deployed within the year. Initially, it will enter trial operations, after which it will begin full-scale combat duty. The exact time when complexes appear at these locations has not been specified.
According to the prime minister, the first "iron beam" complexes will be deployed in the south of the country. These areas were the first to be shelled from the Gaza Strip, and it is proposed to cover these areas with additional new areas. In addition, it is planned to introduce the product to the international market and sell it to third countries.
Interestingly, Israel plans to take advantage not only of the technological advantages of the new complex, but also of the economic advantages of the new complex. Bennett cautioned that the enemy is now firing extremely simple and cheap missiles that are used to intercept tens of thousands of dollars worth of items. Lasers will reverse this: missile defense interceptions will be much cheaper than missiles.
A laser installation in the artist's eyes
A few weeks after these announcements, in mid-April, Raphael announced the completion of another experimental Magen-ol's test. In these events, they once again demonstrated the ability of lasers to shoot down unguided missiles, gunpowder, drones and other targets under various conditions. In addition, higher operational and economic characteristics were confirmed.
Mobile version
The Light Shield is a mobile version of the Combat Laser Complex. All of its facilities are mounted on a wheeled chassis, simplifying the transfer and conversion of positions. Work from the field is carried out only after some preparation has been made for all major systems.
The typical structure of the complex consists of a radar illumination system, a command post and two combat vehicles equipped with lasers. At the same time, the composition of the battery can be changed according to the customer's wishes. It can select radars and command posts for the complex, as well as determine the number of lasers needed.
At the center of the "iron beam" is a mobile laser unit, located in a standard container, for installation on the cargo chassis. The container can accommodate power supply systems and assistive devices. At its rear there is a laser unit and a photoelectric station under the movable cover.
Prototype for spring 2022 testing.
The complex is known to use fiber lasers. It is mounted on the carriage and is capable of guiding in two planes in a wide sector. Initially, there were reports of laser power reaching tens of kilowatts, but no more precise values were given. This year, they announced plans to increase the capacity to 100-150 kilowatts. It is not excluded that such a value will be obtained by "firing" two lasers at the same time against one target.
Iron beams are used to intercept rockets and mortar shells, various drones and other targets. Such objects have a range of up to 7 kilometers. Depending on the type of target, it takes a few seconds of impact. The energy provided for this will be provided by the complex's own generators. As previously reported, this operating principle allows for reducing the cost of a single "shot" to $3-4. This year announced a cut to 2%.
Object detection is assigned to the complex's standard radar. It must transmit data to the command post, which is responsible for the guidance and use of combat lasers. In addition, the Light Shield Command Post can interact with and exchange data with other elements of air and missile defense. In particular, targets can be targeted from external efforts.
Laser advantages
Currently, Israel's security is guaranteed by a hierarchical missile defence system, which includes a number of complexes with different capabilities. The most famous is the "Karen Bazel" ("Iron Beam"), which aims to intercept unguided missiles with a range of no more than tens of kilometers. More complex targets should hit Kayla David, Hertz, etc. They all successfully responded to the tests of the time, with iron beams periodically intercepting real missiles.
Missile ammunition
This year, missile defense will add the first set of fundamental new laser means. It is deployed in one of the most dangerous areas and will serve as an additional echelon for air defense defense. The goals and objectives of such deployments are already well known and one can imagine Clen. How other systems and complexes will be complemented.
The range of the iron beam is only 7 kilometers, which severely limits its combat capability. Such complexes must be deployed close to protected objects or sites. In addition, the laser depends on weather conditions and the presence of disturbances, which can further reduce the effective radius. Before introducing an upgrade system with an extended radius, this drawback must be taken into account when planning.
However, short distances can be compensated for by many positive qualities and characteristics. Thus, within a specified range, the laser is capable of striking a wide range of ballistic and aerodynamic targets specific to the proposed TMD. The laser is easily directed and held on target. At the same time, the loss of hands does not actually affect the outcome of the combat work: the complex can recover the tip and attack the target again. This provides high efficiency even on motorized objects.
The target drone is one second before it is destroyed. The highlight on the wing - the laser heating point
Due to its cost-effectiveness, the light shield can run in one position for a long time, constantly "shooting". If the defenses based on this complex are properly organized, overloading will be extremely difficult, if not impossible. Preparations for reinstatement after a major raid should not be difficult or time-consuming.
New echelon
Therefore, the iron beam type combat laser device has many characteristics and strengths, which will help it effectively supplement the existing missile defense capabilities. The system will add a new laser echelon. It only functions in the vicinity, but in this case, the Israeli army will reap some benefits.
However, the full benefits of laser weapons can only be realized in an uncertain future. This year, the Israeli Army will receive only one horsegen, or battery, for experimental combat missions. How fast can we move towards a full range of services and master a series of products is a big problem. However, the events of recent days, in which Iron Beam has once again had to work on real targets, indicates that Israel will not hesitate to acquire new weapons as soon as possible.