Vulcan laser system
The Vulcan laser system is a defense system that is in development by Neridia Defense Industries, Javelin Industries, ESB Thermodynamics, and the House of the Learned for the New Alexandrian military. The system is designed to destroy all kinds of projectiles ranging from short-range rockets, artillery, and mortars all the way to large missiles. In addition, the system could also intercept unmanned aerial vehicles, aircraft, and ships. The development of the system is based on decades of collective research and development in solid-state lasers by Natopian, New Alexandrian, and Constancian researchers. It is underwritten by Nouvelle Alexandrie.
The Vulcan laser system will use a "directed high energy laser beam" to destroy hostile targets with a range up to 200 kilometers (124.2 mi). The Vulcan laser system will constitute an additional element of the integrated air defense system for Nouvelle Alexandrie, in addition to the Silver Hammer, the Geneva family of missiles, and other systems. A Vulcan laser system battery is mobile and composed of an air defense radar, a command and control unit, and two high-energy laser systems. The Vulcan laser system can also be used stand-alone.
The Vulcan laser system will use a fiber laser to destroy an airborne target within 4–5 seconds of firing. Whether acting as a stand-alone system or as part of an air-defense system, a threat is detected by a surveillance system and tracked by vehicle platforms in order to engage. The main benefits of using a directed energy weapon over conventional missile interceptors are lower costs per shot, an unlimited magazine, lower operational costs, and less manpower. Though the system may not cost less than missiles, operating it has lower life-cycle costs. If sufficiently funded, the Vulcan laser system could be operational in five to seven AN years.
Although the Vulcan laser system has yet to enter service as envisioned, the technology and the research generated by the programme had been taken and further refined into the Basilisk directed energy weapon system, initially developed for airborne platforms by Javelin Industries but later expanded to ships and mobile units.
