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this post was submitted on 12 Jul 2024
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There is no doubt that lasers will play a bigger and bigger role in combat systems, especially in a layered air defense networks.
But it's dishonest how these articles only cite the cost of electricity. It would be like citing the cost of a single shell of artillery to imply that is the only expenditure when the system is used.
Just like a Howitzer, the parts on lasers experience wear and tear, but to replace them cost a hell of a lot more than a new barrel.
Yes, in the long-term lasers will be more cost-effective than ground to air missile interceptors*, but any reporting that is clearly trying to make an argument for cost savings, should have the integrity to get figures that factor in battlefield maintenance of those systems.
*When applicable. Lasers will not remove the need for any existing systems, but will provide a cost savings by providing additional options for the air defense system's operators.
When discussing deterrents against drone swarms the cost per "round" is the correct metric....
The cost per round is a lot more than just power generation when talking about lasers.
The wear on tear on lasers is a lot different than other systems and when the case is being made for their cost effectiveness they need to be factored in, instead of the highly misleading figures that only prices out electricity.
What kind of wear are we talking about? Some of the laser types I can think of don't seem like they would need to wear out.
it's not just the laser...
It's the optics, it's the cooling, it's the physical mechanics it's built on, the laser may be pushed well over it's designed target range causing it to breakdown further.
The power supply for the laser, the circuitry for control (to some degree) and most importantly, where ever you source that energy from. Presumably a super cap bank and a generator? Maybe batteries? Who knows.
Worked at a spring factory, a laser manufacturer bought copper springs by the boat load because they'd melt I guess
i would assume they used them in a heat sinking deal. Presumably to apply pressure to a diode package into a heatsink, while sinking heat, or something along those lines. Could be galvanic corrosion reasons also i guess.
The mount would wear out, that's true. As would the cooling pump, although I don't see why you wouldn't just use a cheap one off the shelf. The rest doesn't theoretically need to wear if you make sure you have enough thermal allowances.
yeah pretty much, optics would likely be pretty temperamental at those power levels, but maybe they aren't using any? Idk.
If a bug lands on one while it fires would basically melt the optics instantly. I would imagine.
Oh yeah, there's that. Ideally you'd want semi-disposable covers of some kind.
How powerful is this thing, anyway? I'm assuming it's more of an "overheat" than "vapourise" situation.
if it's powerful enough to yeet drones out of the sky, and hasn't been built before, we're talking KW range power rating, enough to presumably vaporize parts of the drone instantly, or near instantaneously. So presumably dirty optics would be a big problem. We already have problems with optics on flashlights getting "dirty" from similar issues.
I mean, sure that's fair, and the figures could be updated to include that. But the order of magnitude difference between this and explosive ammunition is 10,000x or more. Unless these are single fire, I'm not convinced it changes the calculus
Even in the very long term, loss of equipment to enemy fire is non-negligible during active combat, so you need to tack on the purchase cost in some manner.
In the shorter term you have to buy a 30 million dollar laser system, even if you'll eventually make it back.
Usually they do quote the cost per shell, not including rifle wear, she'll transport, oder wages, etc. Or missile, in case of patriot systems.
What about the advantages of the logistics of those “rounds”. Seems like a huge savings.