This unprecedented breakthrough occurred during the ongoing conflict in Gaza where Israel Air Force's Aerial Defense Array used the prototype laser air defences to reach a significant milestone in modern warfare.
- It is described as an adapted version of the Iron Beam system.
What is Iron Beam?
- Also known by its Hebrew name Magen Or.
- Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
- It is a 100kW class High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS).
- HELWS are a type of Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).
- DEWs use concentrated energy from electromagnetic or particle technology, rather than kinetic energy, to degrade or destroy targets.
- HELWS are a type of Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).
- The system can neutralize multiple threat types including RAM (Rockets, Artillery, and Mortars), Cruise missiles, UAVs (drones) etc.
Key Benefits of HELWS
- Precision: Neutralizes aerial threats with pinpoint accuracy at ranges of up to 10 km ensures minimal collateral and environmental damage.
- Interoperability: Can easily integrate with variety of platforms and systems as part of a multilayered defense system or can be operated as a standalone system.
- Cost efficient: Almost zero cost per intercept.
- Other: Engaging target at the speed of light, protects military forces and civilian populations, etc.
Limitations of HELWS
- Thermal Constraints: Limited magazine depth due to overheating; the system must pause after successive shots to cool down.
- Weather Sensitivity: Can’t function well in heavy cloud cover and other inclement weather.
Other DEW Systems
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