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by throwaway295729 972 days ago
Can someone with technical experience explain how this would work?
2 comments

From the specs page: "...LITE BEAM is a 7.5kW HEL interceptor for C-mUAVs and ground targets such as IEDs and UXOs, neutralizing targets from a distance of a few hundred meters to up to 2000 meters. The first proven prototype of LITE BEAM is already available..."

If confirmed, it is notable for being the first Laser system deployed in combat anywhere.

you are talking lite beam which is mobile system. what is planned to be deployed in israel is iron beam which is 100kw https://www.rafael.co.il/worlds/land/iron-beam/

iirc it was planned to begin deployment later this year or sometimes next year with full "production" capabilities in 2025.

there were some news on israeli sites in last few days that they want to put to field whatever they have now, as every bit can help. also real life testing.

100 KW output or input?

Lasers vary quite a bit in efficiency so that is an important bit of information and I can't seem to find it on that website.

they don't really publish a datasheet. but enough to blow up mortar and artillery rounds with $1.5-$3 per shot. it's a steal compared to $50k iron dome interceptors

edit: from some israeli newspaper: The power of the beam is about 100 kilowatts and its diameter is about that of a 10 shekel coin. At the moment, its effective range is estimated at about 10 kilometers, but this is not a final number

edit2: also written that it cooks-off ordinance.

laser goes - pssssss

ordinance goes - boom

Terrorist sympatazer's brain goes - poof (if there was one in the beginning)