New echelon of defense: "Iron Beam" on the eve of experimental combat duty
The principle of operation of a combat laser
Israel has built and operates an advanced layered missile defense system that includes various detection systems and weapons. This year, a fundamentally new component should appear in its composition - the Magen Or combat laser complex. It is expected that it will improve some of the characteristics of the system, as well as give it new combat capabilities.
Anti-missile laser
Tentatively in 2010, Rafael and Elbit began work on a promising laser for air / missile defense. This project received several designations at once. The most famous name was Iron Beam / "Keren Barzel" ("Iron Beam"). In addition, the name "Magen Or" or Light Shield ("Light Shield") is used.
The first results of the new project were openly presented in 2014 at the Singapore Airshow. An approximate appearance of a promising complex was revealed, its main functions and characteristics were named. It has been argued that the "Iron Beam" could strengthen the existing Israeli missile defense system and become another means of interception in the near zone. The fundamental advantages of such a system over existing air defense systems were also mentioned, such as lower operating costs or the ability to work on aerodynamic targets.
At that time, the experienced "Keren Barzel" was tested at the training ground and showed its capabilities in combating various targets. Various checks and fine-tuning of the complex continued until recently, and the Rafael company regularly reported on its successes.
The project was developed with the support of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, which indicated its prospects. However, for a long time it was only about testing and debugging, and the timing of the adoption of the laser into service was not reported. Information of this kind appeared only a few months ago.
Year plans
On February 1, Prime Minister Naftali Benet announced that a new air defense-missile defense laser system would be deployed during this year. First, it will go into trial operation, and then full-fledged combat duty will begin. More exact dates for the appearance of complexes in positions have not yet been named.
According to the prime minister, the first Iron Luch complexes will be deployed in the southern part of the country. It is these regions that are primarily shelled from the Gaza Strip, and it is proposed to additionally cover them with new weapons. In the future, Iron Beam will be deployed throughout the state. In addition, it is planned to bring this product to the international market and sell it to third countries.
It is curious that Israel plans to use not only the technical, but also the economic advantages of the new complex. Thus, N. Benet recalled that now the enemy is launching extremely simple and cheap missiles, to intercept which items worth tens of thousands of US dollars are sent. The laser will reverse this situation: a missile defense salvo will be much cheaper than a flying missile.
Laser installations in the representation of the artist
A few weeks after these statements, in mid-April, Rafael announced the completion of another test of the experienced Magen Or. During these events, they again demonstrated the ability of a laser to shoot down unguided missiles, cannon artillery ammunition, UAVs and other targets in various conditions. In addition, high operational and economic characteristics were confirmed.
In mobile version
"Light Shield" is a combat laser complex in a mobile version. All of its means are mounted on wheeled chassis, which simplifies the transfer and change of positions. Work is carried out only from the spot after a certain preparation of all the main systems.
The typical composition of the complex includes a situational illumination radar, a command post and two combat vehicles with laser systems. In this case, the composition of the battery can be changed in accordance with the wishes of the customer. He can select the radar and command post for the complex, as well as determine the required number of lasers.
The central element of the "Iron Beam" is a mobile laser system placed in a standard container for installation on a truck chassis. The container contains the power supply system and auxiliary devices. In its rear part, under the movable covers, there is a laser unit and a survey optoelectronic station.
Prototype for testing in the spring of 2022
It is known that the complex uses a fiber laser. It is mounted on a carriage with the possibility of guidance in two planes within wide sectors. Initially, it was reported that the laser power reaches tens of kilowatts, but a more accurate value was not called. This year, plans were announced to increase power to 100-150 kW. It is not excluded that such values will be obtained by simultaneously "firing" two lasers at the same target.
Iron Beam is designed to intercept rocket and mortar artillery ammunition, various UAVs and other targets. The range of such objects reaches 7 km. Depending on the type of target, an impact lasting several seconds is required. The energy for this will be provided by the complex's own generator. Earlier it was reported that this principle of operation allows to reduce the cost of one "shot" to 3-4 US dollars. This year they announced its reduction to $2.
Target detection is assigned to the standard radar of the complex. It must transmit data to the command post, which is responsible for the guidance and use of combat lasers. In addition, the Light Shield command post can interact and exchange data with other air defense and missile defense elements. In particular, it is possible to work on target designation from the outside.
Laser benefits
At present, the security of Israel is provided by a layered missile defense system, which includes several systems with different capabilities. The most famous was the "Kipat Barzel" ("Iron Dome"), designed to intercept unguided missiles with a range of no more than tens of kilometers. More complex targets should hit the Kela David, Hetz, etc. complexes. All of them successfully passed the tests at one time, and the Iron Dome regularly intercepts real missiles.
Work on flying artillery ammunition
This year, the first battery of fundamentally new laser weapons will be added to missile defense systems. It is deployed in one of the most dangerous directions and will be used as an additional air defense-missile defense echelon. The goals and objectives of such a deployment are already known, and one can imagine how Keren Barzel will complement other systems and complexes.
The range of the "Iron Beam" reaches only 7 km, which seriously limits its operational capabilities. Such a complex will have to be deployed in close proximity to the protected object or settlement. In addition, the laser is subject to weather conditions and the presence of interference, which can further reduce the effective radius. This drawback will have to be taken into account in planning until the appearance of an upgraded system with an increased radius.
However, short range can be compensated by a number of positive qualities and features. So, within the assigned range, the laser is capable of hitting a wide range of ballistic and aerodynamic targets that are typical for the proposed theater of operations. The laser is easy to point and hold on the target. At the same time, a miss has practically no effect on the results of combat work: the complex can restore the aiming and attack the target again. This will give high efficiency even for maneuvering objects.
Target drone a second before destruction. The bright spot on the wing is the hot spot from the laser
Due to the economy, the Light Shield can work in position for a long time and constantly conduct “shelling”. If the defense based on such complexes is properly organized, it will be extremely difficult or even impossible to overload it. Preparation for the resumption of duty after a major raid should not be difficult and lengthy.
New echelon
Thus, a combat laser of the Iron Beam type has a number of characteristic features and strengths that will help it effectively complement existing missile defense systems. A new laser echelon will appear as part of the air defense system. It will only work in the near zone, but in this case, the Israeli army will receive a number of benefits.
However, all the advantages of laser weapons will be realized only in the indefinite future. This year, the army will receive only one Magen Or battery for experimental combat duty. How quickly it will be possible to switch to a full-fledged service and the development of serial products is a big question. However, the events of recent days, when the Iron Dome again had to work on real targets, show that Israel will not hesitate and will try to get new weapons as soon as possible.
- Ryabov Kirill
- AOI, Rafael
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