Self-Protect High-Energy Laser Demonstrator

The Self-Protect High-Energy Laser Demonstrator (SHiELD) was a directed-energy weapons development program.[1][2][3][4] The objective was to demonstrate the ability of a laser system mounted on aircraft by developing and integrating a moderate power laser in a fighter-compatible pod.[5] In 2016 it was reported that United States Air Force was considering getting a defensive laser weapon for fifth and sixth generation fighter jets by 2021.[6] The SHiELD program was concluded in May 2024.[7]

Technical description

The Self-Protect High-Energy Laser Demonstrator (SHiELD) was designed as a pod-mounted defensive laser system for integration on U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft. The program aimed to provide protection against infrared-guided missiles by disabling their seekers or fuel systems at standoff ranges.[8]

Laser source

SHiELD employed a fiber laser architecture using spectral beam combining to merge multiple fiber outputs into a single high-power beam. Lockheed Martin received the prime contract in 2017 to develop the laser subsystem, with a target output in the tens of kilowatts range.[9]

Power and cooling

The system was intended to draw electrical power from the host aircraft’s generators and batteries. AFRL documentation noted the need for advanced thermal management, including closed-loop liquid cooling, to sustain firing during supersonic flight.[8]

Beam control

Adaptive optics, including deformable and fast-steering mirrors, were incorporated to stabilize the beam against turbulence, vibration, and aircraft motion. Targeting was to be integrated with infrared search-and-track (IRST) and missile warning sensors.[10]

Integration

The demonstrator was housed in an external pod approximately 1.5 to 2 m in length and weighing close to one metric ton, compatible with fighter hardpoints such as those on the F-15 and F-16.[11]

Engagement profile

The system was designed to engage infrared-guided missiles at ranges of several kilometers, with dwell times of a few seconds required to damage seeker heads or fuel tanks.[10]

Program conclusion

In May 2024, the U.S. Air Force formally ended the SHiELD program. Reports indicated that the effort closed without achieving a flight test of a laser-equipped fighter, citing technical challenges and shifting priorities.[12][13]

References

  1. ^ "USAF considers defensive lasers for future fighters". flightglobal.com. 2 February 2016. Retrieved 11 November 2017.
  2. ^ "Janes | Latest defence and security news".
  3. ^ "The Air Force's Self-Protect High-Energy Laser Demonstrator - RealClearDefense". realcleardefense.com. Retrieved 11 November 2017.
  4. ^ "Air Force Moves Aggressively On Lasers « Breaking Defense - Defense industry news, analysis and commentary". Breakingdefense.com. 2015-08-07. Retrieved 2016-02-17.
  5. ^ "Air Force Research Lab Tries to Stay Ahead of Rivals". Nationaldefensemagazine.org. 2011-03-17. Retrieved 2016-02-17.
  6. ^ "USAF Become Agents of SHiELD | Pentagon: Multi-Billion Investment Tomahawks SM-6 | UK MoD Buying Zephyr Solar Planes". Defenseindustrydaily.com. 2016-02-05. Retrieved 2016-02-17.
  7. ^ U.S. Military Laser Weapon Programs Are Facing A Reality Check. The War Zone. 21 May 2024.
  8. ^ a b Air Force Research Laboratory, "AFRL’s SHiELD set to receive critical assembly," 23 February 2021
  9. ^ Lockheed Martin press release, 6 November 2017
  10. ^ a b Airforce Technology, "Agents of SHiELD – the US Air Force’s new aircraft-mounted laser weapon," 2018
  11. ^ GlobalSecurity.org, "SHiELD," accessed 2024
  12. ^ Military.com, "Air Force Scraps Fighter Jet Laser Program After Years of Delays," 17 May 2024
  13. ^ The War Zone, "Air Force Closes Out SHiELD Laser Pod Program Without Ever Testing It On A Fighter," 21 May 2024
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