Powering and Protecting Ships – Critical to Navy Competitiveness
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By Richard McCool
June 18, 2021
What may have seemed like a science-fiction fantasy only a generation ago – weird and imaginative concepts drawn in comics and portrayed in movies – are not only becoming a reality, but are constituting critical components of our nation’s overall Defense. In fact, due to a combination of exponential growth in computing power, highly accurate modeling and simulation, better efficiencies in testing, and ongoing leaps in scientific discovery, it could be said that the future has arrived. The old axiom of failing to prepare for future threats (wars) by remaining focused on previous ones takes on greater magnitude and dimension due to the accelerative nature of technological advancement and change.
Among the spectrum of astounding technologies – from unmanned platforms to startlingly capable artificial intelligence and machine learning – are directed energy systems. As the phrase implies, directed energy is the use of actual focused energy – such as lasers, microwaves, or particle beams – for offensive or defensive military requirements. The potential operational advantages of direct energy systems, including those used for kinetic purposes, are many: from simplifying logistics and reducing materiel demands associated with conventional ordnance to reducing long-term costs of operation in certain situations, to expanding and improving precision in targeting and delivery. Additionally, direct energy weapons may also offer more discreet use with lower probabilities for undesired collateral damage for sensitive applications and may be less affected by certain physical or environmental factors.
https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2021/06/18/powering_and_protecting_ships__critical_to_navy_competitiveness_782002.html
