Laser Weapons on Aircrafts and Against Aerial Vehicles

Abstract

Theodore H. Maiman operated the first functioning laser in 1960. The military use of lasers is part of directed energy weapons. The technology of laser weapons will revolutionize a lot of aspects of warfare. The laser weapons may be installed on aircrafts, helicopters and can be used from the ground and the sea against aircrafts, rockets, unmanned aerial vehicles, blimps, moreover against mortar shells or steel balls. This article presents the categories and the typical applications of military laser devices and the main development programs of high energy laser weapons in the great armies of the world.