| Description |
xi, 363 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm |
| Contents |
An introduction to beam weaponry -- Turning fiction into fact : an outline of history -- Beam weapon mythology -- High-energy laser technology -- Hitting the target : beam and fire control -- The strange saga of the X-ray laser -- Particle-beam technology -- High-power microwaves : the zapping of hardware -- Countermeasures, counter-countermeasures, ad infinitum -- The modern military : high-technology warfare -- Defense against nuclear attack -- Antisatellite weapons -- Battlefield beam weapons -- A revolution in defense strategy -- Beams on the battlefield : a new generation of tactical weapons -- Beam weapons and strategic arms control -- Conclusion : where are beam weapons going? |
| Summary |
This book describes the technology and uses of high-energy laser and particle-beam weapons both on the battlefield and in strategic defense against nuclear attack. Technical issues covered include high-energy lasers, particle beams, x-ray lasers, microwaves, pointing and tracking systems, beam delivery, reliability, and atmospheric effect on beams. Potential missions covered include missile defense, anti-satellite weapons, aircraft use, and battlefield weapons. This book also covers the Reagan administration's "Star Wars" program, prospects for development of practical beam weapons, and their implications for military strategy and global policy |
| Analysis |
Directed-energy weapons |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index |
| Notes |
Also issued online |
| Subject |
Air defenses -- United States.
|
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Directed-energy weapons.
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Nuclear warfare.
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Space weapons.
|
| SUBJECT |
United States -- Military policy.
http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85140379
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| LC no. |
83024713 |
| ISBN |
0306415461 |
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