The technological maturity of ground based directed energy air defence systems in 2025-2030
Pernu, Tuomas (2017)
Pernu, Tuomas
Sotatekniikan laitos
Sotatekniikka
Yleisesikuntaupseerikurssin opiskelijan diplomityö
General Staff Officer Course 58
2017
Julkinen
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2017111350652
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2017111350652
Tiivistelmä
Directed energy weapons (DEW) have been pursued by the military and defence industry since the 1980’s. Some potential technology demonstrators have been showcased over the decades but not until recently there have been a number of promising programmes. This dissertation was performed to find out what is the applicability of DEWs in the Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) domain in 2025-2030. A thorough literature review was conducted to find answer to a sub-question: ‘What are the DE technologies and systems under development for AA (Anti-Aircraft) and CRAM (Counter Rockets Artillery Mortar)?’ It was established that there are 15 programmes in total of which 14 are laser and 1 is HPRF (High Power Radio Frequency) system.
Next a Delphi panel was used to find answers for the second sub-question: ‘What is the maturity level of GBAD DEW in 2025-2030’. In total three Delphi iteration rounds were performed. This was followed by Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessment done by utilizing USAF TRL calculator.Finally the results of literature review, Delphi and TRL assessment were combined and it was established that there are three potential GBAD systems to reach full technological maturity in 2021-2029 which could mean the systems would be commonly in use in 2025-2035. Other main findings include:
- Despite the lengthy research and testing many obstacles remain to mature the technologies to the level where they could be deployed
- Output powers of current DEW are far from being adequate in engaging manned aircraft size targets
- DEWs can engage UAV’s within 2-3km in 2021-2029
- DEWs can engage UAV’s within 10 km in 2024-2030
- DEWs can engage manned aircraft and possibly ballistic missiles from ranges exceeding 10 km in 2026-2037
The main research question: ‘What is the applicability of directed energy weapons when replacing or developing Finland’s GBAD capabilities after 2025?’ was answered by comparing the results with classified GBAD development plans. These results are presented in a separate classified annexe not part of this public document.
Next a Delphi panel was used to find answers for the second sub-question: ‘What is the maturity level of GBAD DEW in 2025-2030’. In total three Delphi iteration rounds were performed. This was followed by Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessment done by utilizing USAF TRL calculator.Finally the results of literature review, Delphi and TRL assessment were combined and it was established that there are three potential GBAD systems to reach full technological maturity in 2021-2029 which could mean the systems would be commonly in use in 2025-2035. Other main findings include:
- Despite the lengthy research and testing many obstacles remain to mature the technologies to the level where they could be deployed
- Output powers of current DEW are far from being adequate in engaging manned aircraft size targets
- DEWs can engage UAV’s within 2-3km in 2021-2029
- DEWs can engage UAV’s within 10 km in 2024-2030
- DEWs can engage manned aircraft and possibly ballistic missiles from ranges exceeding 10 km in 2026-2037
The main research question: ‘What is the applicability of directed energy weapons when replacing or developing Finland’s GBAD capabilities after 2025?’ was answered by comparing the results with classified GBAD development plans. These results are presented in a separate classified annexe not part of this public document.
Kokoelmat
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