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 Basilisk Beam is expected to be installed on some ships and aircraft in late 1699 AN for a 12-month trial deployment. The Federal Forces of Nouvelle Alexandrie spent tens of millions of ecu over the past six years on research, development, and testing of the laser weapon, in coordination with Javelin Industries, Neridia Defense Industries, and ESB Thermodynamics. The exact level of power in initial deployment is not yet confirmed, but it is estimated between 15–50 kW for engaging small aircraft and high-speed boats. Directed-energy weapons are being pursued for economic reasons, as they can be fired for very little cost-wise, while conventional gun rounds and missiles can cost thousands of ecu each.
A modified Javelin Sojourner was utilised by Javelin Industries for a series of in-flight trials during the period 1699 AN–1703 AN. Although credited with the destruction of a number of surplus target drones during the testing period, the successful destruction of a thermal target rocket, simulating an air-to-air missile, entering the field of engagement proved elusive. After consultation with independent evaluation teams provided by the Federal Forces of Nouvelle Alexandrie and Trans-Euran Command of the Raspur Pact the air interception tests were deemed a partial success, which translated into a 90% effectiveness rating once subjected to statistical modelling by an analytical team at ESB Thermodynamics. The Basilisk Beam was accordingly selected as starting point for the point-defence system / directed-energy countermeasures suite of the Javelin F-18 Cyclone. Basilisk Beam was subsequently incorporated into the F-10 Carnifex as part of its third iteration (1718 AN–1723 AN) rebuild programme.
