Directed Energy Weapons on the Battlefield: A New Vision for 2025

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA463429 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Several nations are engaging in development and production of directed energy weapons. Recent scientific advances now enable the production of lethal lasers and high-powered microwaves. The current growth and development in this emerging area strongly suggests that directed energy weapons of lethal power will reach the battlefield before 2010. Since proliferation of lower power laser weapons has already happened, it is likely that proliferation of high power or high energy weapons will occur as well. This paper expands on this development and posits potential impacts on a plausible future battlefield, developed in part from the Alternate Futures of AF 2025, where all comers deploy lethal directed energy technologies. From these impacts, which span doctrine, organization, force structure, and systems design, this paper recommends changes to better posture the United States for this potential future.

Author(s):
Geiss, Ii, John P.
Author Organization(s):
AIR WAR COLL MAXWELL AFB AL
Descriptive Note:
Occasional paper no. 32
Supplementary Note:
The original document contains color images. DOI: 10.21236/ADA463429
Pagination:
0071

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
AWC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_7_Protection; JCA_7.2.1_Mitigate Lethal Effects; JCA_7.2_Mitigate; JCA_7.1.1_Prevent Kinetic Attack; JCA_7.1_Prevent; JCA_1.1_Force Management; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_4.7.2_Installation Services; JCA_4.7_Base and Installations Support; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_4.6_Engineering; JCA_4.6.1_General Engineering; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_4.3_Maintain; JCA_1.2.4_Doctrine; JCA_1.1.1_Global Force Management; JCA_4_Logistics; JCA_1.2.2_Exercising; JCA_1.2.6_Concepts
Modernization Areas:
Directed Energy
Communities of Interest:
Energy and Power Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*LETHALITY, *DIRECTED ENERGY WEAPONS, WEAPONS, UNITED STATES, PRODUCTION, BATTLEFIELDS, ENERGY, POWER, MICROWAVES, PULSED LASERS, LASERS, HIGH ENERGY, MILITARY APPLICATIONS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Lasers and Masers, Directed Energy Weapons
Report Date:
2003 Apr 01
Creation Date:
2007 Mar 28