Thursday, December 04, 2008

JHPSSL

IOC: 2002

Origin
United States of America

Contractor/s
Northrop Grumman

Description: The Joint High Power Solid-State Laser (JHPSSL) program is aimed at developing a high energy laser capable of delivering a powerful beam during short periods of time -- typically several minutes -- for military use. The laser system is based on solid-state technology feed by electrical power. JHPSSL is being funded by the US Air Force Research Laboratory and the Office of the Secretary of Defense as a demonstration program which started in December 2002. Solid state technology was chosen because offers the potential of compact laser systems.

The US military are deeming the possibility of applying a new whole family of laser weapons based on JHPSSL technology to a wide range of platforms such as surface ships, manned and unmanned aircraft, and ground vehicles. Laser weapons would be able to protect those platforms as well as adding strike capability. The JHPSSL aim is to demonstrate a 100 KW laser and beyond with the laser system staying compact and suitable to a wide range of platforms.

To date, Northrop-Grumman solid state laser demonstrator has achieved a laser beam of more than 27 KW with a run time of 350 seconds. The same laser demonstrator delivers a 19 KW laser beam with excellent quality regarding beam focusing in order to hit a target. The Northrop-Grumman JHPSSL utilizes amplifier chains assembled with multiple high-power gain modules which results scaleable by adding new chains. The laser demonstrator that achieved 27 KW level was made up of just two chains.

News
Northrop Grumman Scores Biggest Successes Yet for JHPSSL Program Phase 3

JHPSSL Program Enters Phase 3

US Armed Forces Funding Laser Weapon Technology

Operators

United States of America

Image Gallery

Notes
(*) lead contractor
IOC: Initial Operating Capability
FOC: Full Operating Capability
CEP: Circular Error Probable
Comm: Commissioning Date
Meters (m) Kilometers (km) Nautic Miles (nm) Inch (in) Yard (yd) Foot (ft) Millimeter (mm)
Pound (lb) Kilogram (kg) kN (KiloNewton) Ton (t)
Meters per Second (mps) Kilometers per Hour (kph) Knot (kt) Miles per Hour (mph)
Liter (l) Galon (gl)
Year (yr) Minutes (min) Second (sec)
Shaft-Horse-Power (shp)

Last Updated: Saturday, November 22, 2008

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