FIRESTRIKE
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| FIRESTRIKE |
| Type |
Solid State Laser |
| Place of origin |
United States |
| Production history |
| Manufacturer |
Northrop Grumman |
| Unit cost |
? |
| Specifications |
| Weight |
400 lb (181 kg) |
| Length |
23" |
| Width |
12" |
| Height |
40" |
The FIRESTRIKE laser[1], introduced by Northrop Grumman on November 13, 2008, is purportedly the first, combat ready, solid state laser weapon. FIRESTRIKE is a 15kW modular laser "building block" which can be combined with other systems for specific missions, or 7 more FIRESTRIKEs for a single 100kW laser.[2] Bundled with Northrop Grumman's own LCSA power supply, the FIRESTRIKE can fire continuously as long as power and cooling are maintained.
[edit] Features
| Type |
Description |
| Power |
15kW Laser |
| Beam Quality |
Nominally 1.5 times the diffraction limit |
| Size |
Laser head - 12" x 23"x 40" (width, depth, height) Current source - 9" x 13" x 30" |
| Runtime |
Continuous, as long as power and coolant are provided |
| Power-on Time |
Zero to full power in less than 1/2 second |
| Safety |
Remote operation, customer interlock access, internal safety sensors |
| Control |
Common Command and Control (C2) systems and Ethernet interfaces |
| Low Power Setting |
Provides nominally 100 watt alignment beam |
| Weight |
400 lbs per LRU |
| Ruggedization |
Hardened LRUs with compact SSL technology engineered for mobility and field operations |
[edit] References
- ^ "Northrop Grumman Press Release". http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=154600. Retrieved 2008-11-13.
- ^ "The Register Press Release". http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/11/14/weaponised_rayguns_hit_shelves_in_time_for_xmas/?d=154600. Retrieved 2008-11-14.
