ODIN is a Laser Weapon that was created for the Surface Navy. It took two and a-half years to develop, from conception to installation. The device will be used in the fleet's anti-drone defense. The technology will also be used to develop future Surface Navy Laser Weapon Systems.
Navy Optical Dazzler Interdictor Navy
The Optical Dazzler Interdictor (ODIN) is a directed energy weapon that will be deployed on US Navy surface combatants. It is designed for deflecting uncrewed aerial system and deflecting them away the surface combatant. VTG has been chosen by the US Navy as the installer of the ODIN technology on five Arleigh-Burke-class guided missile destroyers.
According to Navy budget requests 2023, seven ODIN systems are operational. One unit is being tested and certified. It has been installed on three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, including the USS Stockdale, and the remaining two are scheduled to be installed in the next few years.
Cost per shot
It is not easy to develop lasers, and even harder to integrate them into ships. CRS recently reported that the cost per shot for ODIN- or LaWS-sized systems is approximately $1.15. A 480-kW-powered laser could cost up to $10. The majority of the cost for a laser comes from the fuel required to produce electricity. However, most Navy ships do not have the power systems to handle such short bursts with high-intensity output.
Recent years have seen laser weapons show great promise. The ODIN system for laser weapons is a great starting point. The main goal of this system is to protect a surface combatant from aerial threats, but it's also important to remember that it's not a point-defense weapon. Lasers' ultimate goal is to eliminate the need of expensive munitions, which can run into the millions.
Size
The Odin Laser is a class-4 handheld, high-power burning laser powered with two 26650 batteries. It can instantly burn matches, plastic, and wood pieces. The Odin5W laser is the newest version. It is stronger than the 3W.
Installation on surface ships
The U.S. Navy developed the ODIN Laser, a new weapon system. The laser can be used to disable the optical sensors on unmanned aerial vehicles. These drones are not dangerous to surface ships but ODIN would make them ineffective in surveillance and reconnaissance missions. It would make them difficult to find their way and hinder their ability for the Navy to carry out its activities.
The ODIN system is expected to be onboard surface ships by 2020. VTG was selected by the US Navy for the development and installation of the system. Over 240 upgrades were completed for US Navy submarines, aircraft carrier and surface ship. The US Navy can now respond to asymmetrical threats by installing the weapon system.
Potential to lead to other laser weapon systems
Laser weapons can be a transformative technology that can dramatically increase the effectiveness of the military. These precision weapons are capable of destroying munitions, dazzling or penetrating structures and neutralising unmanned aerial systems. They are also highly flexible and can be tailored to produce a variety of effects.
Laser-based systems have stealth-like capabilities, are cost-effective and low-cost. These systems can easily cause damage to targets that are hundreds of thousands of miles from their source. These systems have been the subject of several government-funded research. The Defense Advanced Analysis Agency developed a high-powered airborne laser platform to conduct laser experiments in the United States.