Vulcan Advanced Air Defense System
 Javelin's Vulcan Advanced Air Defense System | |
| Type | Advanced Air Defense System |
|---|---|
| Place of origin |
 Nouvelle Alexandrie |
| Designed by | Javelin Industries |
| Manufacturer | Javelin Industries |
| Deployment | Fixed or mobile configurations |
| Components | Radar, Command and Control Unit, Two High Energy Laser Systems |
| Weapon Type | Tactical High-Energy Beam (THEB) |
| AI System | EGuard |
| Initial Testing | Operation Sovereign Borders (1717 AN) |
| Improvements | Integration of EGuard (1720 AN) |
| Deployment | TBD |
The Vulcan Advanced Air Defense System is an advanced air defense system designed and manufactured by Javelin Industries, a prominent defense technology company in Nouvelle Alexandrie. The system is engineered to provide comprehensive protection against a wide range of air threats, including both manned and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as advanced ballistic and cruise missiles.
System Components
The system is based on years of research and development in solid-state lasers by Javelin Industries through the Vulcan laser system project and later through the Basilisk Beam project. The Vulcan system incorporates the latest advancements in sensors, tracking systems, and missile technology, and consists of an air defense radar, a command and control unit (C2), and two High Energy Laser systems. The radar system is designed to detect and track incoming threats, while the command and control unit coordinates the system's response and manages the engagement process. The High Energy Laser systems serve as the primary method of neutralization, engaging and destroying targets swiftly and effectively.
A unique feature of the Vulcan system is the inclusion of the Tactical High-Energy Beam (THEB), known colloquially as the Basilisk Beam. A pioneering directed-energy weapon air defense system, the THEB utilizes fiber laser technology to obliterate an airborne target within seconds of firing.
The Vulcan system was intended to be mobile and to be able to be used stand-alone. However, during testing and refinement after 1717 AN, alternate reconfigurations were devised to address weight and power availability concerns, as well as budgetary constraints for deployment of the system. An alternate reconfiguration was devised that rendered the system non-mobile and integrated into the Silver Hammer system to reduce complexity. It is intended for two laser guns to initially produce 100–150 kW of power.
Development and Operational History
The Vulcan Advanced Air Defense System can be deployed in either fixed or mobile configurations, offering strategic flexibility in its deployment. The system was initially tested during Operation Sovereign Borders in 1717 AN. However, its performance was found to be disappointing, with difficulties in engaging even non-threatening targets like stray weather balloons. In response to these early setbacks, extensive testing and refinement efforts were undertaken to address and rectify the issues identified during these initial trials. A significant enhancement was the integration of EGuard, an advanced software product jointly developed by Javelin Industries and Sarbanes-Lopez CyberSecurity in 1720 AN. EGuard leverages cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) to substantially improve the accuracy and effectiveness of missile defense systems. Its integration into the Vulcan system has played a pivotal role in enhancing the system's operational capabilities and overall performance.
Systems operated by the Nordhær were primarily used to defend critical economic and industrial infrastructure against air and missile attacks during the Normark-Cerulea war of 1727.
The four examples sold to Hurmu ended up being embedded into the prominent flaktower of the Palace of the Elenaran after a period of extensive reconstruction in XIV.1729 AN. Redundant radar arrays and command modules left over from this installation work were repurposed into an area defence command and control network for the Hurmu Fyrð in the Lake District.
Orders
| Country | Quantity Ordered | Order placement year | Expected commencement year | Expected completion year | Fulfilment rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nouvelle Alexandrie |
100 | 1720 AN | 1720 AN | 1724 AN | 25 per year |
 Benacian Union |
208 | 1720 AN | 1720 AN | 1733 AN | 16 per year |
 Normark |
32 | 1720 AN | 1720 AN | 1722 AN | 16 per year |
 Hurmu |
4 | 1720 AN | 1721 AN | 1721 AN | 4 per year |
Future Plans
Looking forward, Javelin Industries plans to continue refining and improving the Vulcan system, with a focus on further enhancing the capabilities of the THEB and integrating additional AI capabilities through the EGuard software.
Poseidon system
In IX.1720 AN, Javelin Industries unveiled the Poseidon system, a version of the Vulcan system meant for installation on ships. The system is designed to emit 100 kW out to "several kilometers" to protect vessels against drone swarms and anti-ship missiles. The naval version maintains the same turret external dimensions and can be configured to be integrated onto ship superstructures or in containerized modules to be embarked when needed. The Poseidon system is planned to be operational within 4-5 years and first be fitted to select ships in the Federal Navy of Nouvelle Alexandrie.
