Increasing the Range & Effectiveness of Air-to-Air Missiles using Directed Energy Weapons(Lasers) Integrated with Missiles
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: The Laser-Integrated Air-to-Air Missile System (L.I.A.M.S) marks a significant advancement in missile technology by integrating high-energy laser (HEL) systems with traditional missile designs. Current air-to-air missiles rely on rocket propulsion and sensors, facing limitations from fuel dependence, countermeasures, and single-use design. Moreover, modern fighter jets with advanced materials pose challenges to these missiles' effectiveness. L.I.A.M.S offers an innovative solution, enabling precision targeting at the speed of light and extended range while resisting countermeasures. L.I.A.M.S effectively projects focused energy, neutralizing threats beyond 1000 meters by damaging or vaporizing critical target components. For instance, damaging a carbon composite target at 7000 °C requires around 1.35 megajoules delivered over a 20-second engagement, achievable with a HEL system at 67.4 kW. This capacity ensures efficiency while minimizing waste and collateral damage. A major advantage of L.I.A.M.S is its use of capacitors for energy compared to traditional batteries, offering higher power densities and rapid discharge. In engagements, capacitors provide necessary power instantly, being lightweight and compact for missile platforms. Recent advancements in graphene capacitors enhance energy density and efficiency, improving performance in combat situations. Hybrid systems of capacitors and batteries allow prolonged operations if needed. Integrating HEL systems yields several benefits over conventional designs. The speed-of-light engagement eliminates projectile lag, addressing fast-moving targets. HEL systems are resistant to flares and chaff, maintaining focus on targets. They're reusable, facilitating multiple engagements without reloading, thus lowering logistical burdens. The cost per HEL engagement is significantly less than traditional missiles, as energy is cheaper than manufacturing conventional weapons. However, challenges remain in deploying L.I.A.M.S. Atmospheric changes can reduce laser effectiveness at long ranges, requiring advanced optics for precise energy delivery. Optimizing capacitors and cooling systems is crucial to manage thermal loads during operation. Ongoing research in materials, energy storage, and optics is vital for overcoming these challenges and enhancing the capabilities of L.I.A.M.S. The Laser-Integrated Air-to-Air Missile System addresses the critical limitations of traditional missile designs while offering unprecedented capabilities for modern aerial combat. By combining the precision and speed of high-energy lasers with advanced energy storage solutions like capacitors, L.I.A.M.S delivers a versatile, cost-effective, and highly efficient solution capable of neutralizing even the most advanced threats.
DOI: 10.2514/6.2025-98250
Author: Allen Pradhan
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4413191128