초록 ▼

A laser weapon system and method are provided for detecting and engaging a large number of target munitions with a plurality of independently steered laser beams, and is particularly adapted to defend against multiple biological and chemical warfare munitions. The system includes a laser generator f

A laser weapon system and method are provided for detecting and engaging a large number of target munitions with a plurality of independently steered laser beams, and is particularly adapted to defend against multiple biological and chemical warfare munitions. The system includes a laser generator for generating laser energy and a segmented mirror having an array of controllable mirror segments for dividing the laser energy into a plurality of steerable laser beams. The low energy divided laser beams are directed through an amplifier to achieve high energy laser beams which are output in a fanned array within a shield zone. A detector senses the presence of munitions. An illuminator laser continually sweeps the shield zone and a receiver receives reflections from munitions which fall within the shield zone. The relative position of the detected munitions within the shield zone are compared to the position of laser beams and control signals are determined so as to steer the laser beams to engage the detected munitions within the shield zone and attempt to destroy the engaged munitions.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A laser weapon system operable for detecting and engaging a plurality of moving objects which may represent potential threats, said system comprising:means for detecting a presence of a plurality of said moving objects;means for selecting a shield zone that covers a limit

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A laser weapon system operable for detecting and engaging a plurality of moving objects which may represent potential threats, said system comprising:means for detecting a presence of a plurality of said moving objects;means for selecting a shield zone that covers a limited number of said plurality of objects, said shield zone covering only a portion of a potential coverage zone of the system;means for detecting a relative location of individual objects within said selected shield zone;laser source means for producing a plurality of high energy laser beams which are operable for simultaneously engaging a group of said plurality of said objects, said plurality of high energy laser beams being deployed from substantially a common location, each of said laser beams being independently controlled within a designated region of said shield zone and said laser beams engaging different ones of said objects within said selected shield zone; andbeam control means for independently controlling each of said plurality of laser beams so that individual ones of said laser beams engages and attempts to damage or destroy individual ones of said targets within said shield zone.