Directed Energy and Fleet Defense

<p>The introduction of directed energy weapons into twenty-first century naval forces has the potential to change naval tactics as fundamentally as the transition from sail to steam. Recent advances in directed energy technologies have made the development of both high-energy laser and high-power microwave weapons technically feasible. This study examines the potential adaptation of such weapons for the defense of naval forces.This study considers options for using directed energy systems on naval vessels in the context of the U.S. maritime strategy and emerging threats in international politics. The framework for this study is an integrated system of microwave devices high-energy lasers and surface-to-air missiles which are evaluated in terms of their ability to enhance anti-ship cruise missile defense tactical air defense and fast patrol boat defense. This study also examines collateral capabilities such as non-lethal defensive measures and counter-surveillance operations.The global proliferation of increasingly sophisticated weapons and the expanding demands placed on its ever-smaller navy require the United States to reassess its current approach to fleet operations. This study concludes that directed energy technology has made sufficient progress to warrant the development of sea-based weapons systems for deployment in the first two decades of the next century. For operational and technical reasons a Nimitz class aircraft carrier may be the preferred platform for the initial implementation of directed energy weapons. If successful the robust self-defense capability provided by directed energy weapons will permit a fundamental shift in carrier battle group operations from a massed attrition oriented defense to a more dynamic dispersed offense.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>