December 30, 2003 :: Israel National News :: News
The Ben Gurion University in Israel has apparently developed what is being called a super chemical laser, far more efficient and powerful than previous models. The Chemical Oxygen-Iodine Laser is touted as having beaten similar programs in other countries for its efficency and, perhaps most importantly, its small size. The Ben Gurion model uses nitrogen as a dilutent, rather than helium, as does other chemical lasers.
Significant improvements in laser technology would be a significant boost to missile defense programs in general. Lasers are of particular importance due to their speed in interception, which easily overcomes the speed of ballistic missiles and permits boost phase interception, when missiles are most vulnerable. Laser advances would benefit not only to Israeli anti-missile programs such as Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL), but the U.S. Air Borne Laser (ABL) program as well, not to mention better space-based laser programs yet to be developed. The laser of the ABL, for example, takes up the majority of a Boeing 747.
(Article)» Air Borne Laser program description
» More stories on: Space-Based Systems, Technology
» Missile system details for: Airborne Laser (ABL), Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL)
