THUNDERBALL: a power-beaming architecture for missile defense

James P. Bell; Donald R. Ponikvar

doi:10.1117/12.174193

1 May 1994 THUNDERBALL: a power-beaming architecture for missile defense

James P. Bell, Donald R. Ponikvar

Proceedings Volume 2121, Laser Power Beaming; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.174193
Event: OE/LASE '94, 1994, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

W.J. Schafer Associates has proposed an architecture for a laser system capable of not only beaming power from a ground site to space, but also capable of intercepting theater missiles during their boost phase for defense of ground troops in regional conflicts. The system comprises a ship-based multi-megawatt laser and beam control system, a relay mirror package mounted on a high altitude, long endurance, unmanned lighter-than-air vehicle, and a sensor package, mounted on the balloon, which directs the laser beam to the target and can also provide an early commitment of ground based kinetic energy interceptors. A system concept is presented, as well as an assessment of system effectiveness.

Citation Download Citation

James P. Bell and Donald R. Ponikvar "THUNDERBALL: a power-beaming architecture for missile defense", Proc. SPIE 2121, Laser Power Beaming, (1 May 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.174193

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