Penetrating the Ion Curtain

<p>Since the first laser was developed in 1960 directed energy technologies have captured the imagination of civilian and military communities worldwide. Over the past four and a half decades increases in power quality and laser types have set the foundation for directed energy weapons (DEWs) to enter then dominate battlefield engagements. Given this hypothesized future the scientific and operational communities need to address the implications of fielded DEWs at the tactical and strategic levels. The following paper addresses the question Can aircraft survive against a Directed Energy Integrated Air Defense System (DE-IADS)? This paper will use trend analysis to uncover the expected DEW capabilities in the 2030 timeframe. Trend data will then provide the foundation for a scenario analysis that compares three distinct scenarios. Scenario 1 juxtaposes an advanced conventional USAF strike force against a DE-IADS. Using the same backdrop Scenario 2 pits a directed energy-equipped USAF strike force against the same DE-IADS. And lastly Scenario 3 evaluates a directed energy equipped USAF strike force against an advanced but conventional IADS. The results will show that DE equipped systems alone do not provide the necessary fire power required to achieve victory or prevent defeat. Only with a smart combination of DE and advanced conventional capabilities (such as hypersonic munitions) can one side bring enough combat power to dominate an opponent.</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><br>