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The cooperative Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL) Demonstrator ACTD was initiated by a memorandum of agreement between the United States and the Government of Israel on July 18, 1996. The THEL is a high-energy laser weapon system that uses proven laser beam generation technologies, proven beam-pointing technologies, and existing sensors and communication networks to provide a new active defense capability in counterair missions. The THEL can provide an innovative solution not offered by other systems or technologies for the acquisition and close-in engagement problems associated with short- to medium-range threats, thereby significantly enhancing coverage of combat forces and theater-level assets. The THEL low-cost per kill (about $3,000 per kill) will also provide a cost-effective defense against low-cost air threats. It features up to 60 shots without reloading and a P(k) near 1 at ranges of some 5 km.

A joint U.S.-Israeli program has been initiated to develop a THEL demonstrator using deuterium fluoride chemical laser technologies. The U.S. and Israeli THEL team members have completed a Concept Design Review in Israel for the demonstrator. Approximately 21 months will be required to design and build the system, followed by 12 to 18 months of field testing at the High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility in Israel. This program will deliver a THEL Demonstrator by March 1998 with a limited operational capability to defend against short-range rockets. The THEL weapon system concept definition studies using advanced technologies were awarded to four contractors on September 30, 1996. The prime contractor for THEL is Northrop Grumman (formerly TRW.)

THEL conducted test firing in FY1998, and Initial Operational Capability (IOC) was planned in FY1999.

On November 4, 2002, THEL shot down an incoming artillery shell. In 2000 and 2001 THEL shot down 25 Katyusha artillery rocket s. A mobile version has completed successful testing.

As the head of the Missile Defense Command , ArmyThe Army is the branch of the United States armed forces which has primary responsibility for land-based military operations. As of fiscal year 2002 (FY02), it consisted of 480,000 soldiers on active duty and 555,000 in reserve (350,000 in Army National G Lt. GeneralLieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. A Lieutenant General ranks immediately below a General and above a Major General. In the US Army, US Marine Corps and US Air Force a Lieutenant General is a three-star general. In the British A Joseph CosumanoLieutenant General Joseph M. Cosumano Jr. became the commander of the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) and the US Army Space Command on April 30, 2001. explains, "We've shown that even an artillery projectile hurtling through the air at supersonicAny speed over the speed of sound, which is approximately 343 m/s or 761 mph or 1,225 km/h at sea level, is said to be supersonic . Many modern fighter aircraft are supersonic. The Concorde was a supersonic passenger aircraft, but, since its final retirem speed is no match for a laser."

See also

• Force XXI Army , Northrop Grumman, Laser applicationsSoon after the invention of the laser in 1960, it was described as "a solution in search of a problem". However, since that time, the laser has found a place as a useful tool in many scientific, military, medical and industrial applications. Scientific Mo, Laser constructionA laser system generally consists of three important parts: An energy source (usually referred to as the pump or pump source ; A gain medium or laser medium A mirror, or system of mirrors, forming an optical resonator. The pump source is the part that pro, Laser scienceLaser science is a branch of optics that describes the theory and practice of lasers. Laser science is principally concerned with quantum electronics, the design of optical resonators, the physics of laser media, the temporal evolution of the light field, List of lasers, active laser medium, Ring laser gyroscope