Basilisk Beam
The Basilisk Beam is a laser directed-energy weapon (LDEW) and air defense system. It was first unveiled by Javelin Industries, Neridia Defense Industries, and ESB Thermodynamics on 12.X.1699 AN, in a collaboration with the Royal University of Parap and ESB Thermodynamics. The system is the results of years of research mainly underwritten by Nouvelle Alexandrie, based on decades of collective research and development in solid-state lasers by Natopian, New Alexandrian, and Constancian researchers. The Basilisk Beam is the results of years of research and development that at first led to the development of the Vulcan laser system in 1687 AN and later the Vulcan Advanced Air Defense System in 1716 AN.
Characteristics
The Basilisk Beam laser system boasts versatility and portability, capable of being mounted on various platforms and interfacing with other air defense systems based on operational needs. It uses advanced beam-combining technology to deliver a laser beam with increased power density, reduced defeat times and increased effective range. This is achieved, in part, through the use of tens of glass fibres; however, the full technical approach remains classified. The laser and its associated targeting systems, including an electro-optical camera and second lower-power laser for imaging and tracking, are mounted to a turret. The laser is reportedly in the 50 kW class and is designed to defend land and maritime targets from threats such as missiles and mortar rounds. Its energy demands are met by a Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS), a system that was developed jointly by the Royal University of Parap and ESB Thermodynamics. The range of the weapon is undisclosed classified information, but it is rumored to have a range of up to 100 kilometers (62.1 mi). The cost per firing is also extremely low. A Basilisk Beam battery is mobile and composed of an air defense radar, a command and control (C2) unit, and two High Energy Laser systems.
Deployment
The initial trial phase of the Basilisk Beam began in late 1699 AN when the system was installed on a modified Javelin Sojourner aircraft and several naval vessels for a comprehensive 12-month field testing. This phase focused on evaluating the system's performance in diverse operational environments including high seas and airborne scenarios. The Federal Forces of Nouvelle Alexandrie invested heavily in these tests, spending tens of millions of ecu to ensure thorough analysis and optimization. From 1700 AN to 1702 AN, the Basilisk Beam underwent rigorous testing against a variety of targets, from high-speed naval drones to airborne missile simulations. These tests revealed the need for significant adjustments in beam accuracy and power management, leading to additional research, enhancements in the targeting algorithms, and the development of new technology, which led to the creation of a robust Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS) by Royal University of Parap and ESB Thermodynamics in 1717 AN.
By 1703 AN, the Basilisk Beam achieved a major milestone when it successfully intercepted and destroyed multiple inbound ballistic missile replicas, mortars, and UAVs during a test overseen by the Trans-Euran Command of the Raspur Pact at the Javelin Testing Range and Laboratory in Alduria. The system’s performance in these tests led to its partial integration into the air and maritime defense strategies of Nouvelle Alexandrie by the SDLA government of Premier Julio Delgado, with limited deployment across strategic military installations and selected fleets, starting in 1704 AN.
In 1716 AN, a major milestone in the development of the Basilisk Beam came with the unveiling of the Vulcan Advanced Air Defense System by Javelin Industries, using the Basilisk Beam technology to create an advanced and mobile air defense system. The system was initially tested during Operation Sovereign Borders in 1717 AN. During these tests, its performance was found disappointing, seeing difficulties in engaging even non-threatening targets like stray weather balloons. The integration of EGuard, an advanced AI software product jointly developed by Javelin Industries and Sarbanes-Lopez CyberSecurity in 1720 AN addressed these concerns by improving the accuracy and effectiveness of the system.
Between 1704 AN and 1717 AN, the Basilisk Beam system was further refined and scaled up, following feedback from initial operational deployments and the difficulties experienced by the Vulcan Advanced Air Defense System. The development of the Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS) by Royal University of Parap and ESB Thermodynamics was a significant victory, overcoming serious challenges in beam accuracy and power management. The energy efficiency and operational range were enhanced, enabling the deployment of the Basilisk Beam across more platforms, including stationary bases and mobile units. During this period, additional features such as network-centric warfare compatibility and multi-target engagement capabilities were integrated, significantly improving the system’s tactical versatility.
In 1718 AN, the Benacian Union fully integrated the Basilisk Beam into the F-10 Carnifex aircraft during its third iteration rebuild program, marking the system's full operational capability in air defense roles. This integration showcased the Basilisk Beam's adaptability and its effectiveness in a dynamic combat environment.
From 1724 AN to 1731 AN, the deployment of the Vulcan Advanced Air Defense System and the Basilisk Beam expanded globally as part of Nouvelle Alexandrie’s foreign military sales to several Raspur Pact partners such as Constancia, the Benacian Union, Natopia, and Oportia, with each incorporating it into their own defense infrastructures. This period also saw the development of specialized versions of the Basilisk Beam for urban defense and tactical support in ground operations, responding to the evolving nature of threats and combat scenarios.
