ODIN is a Laser Weapon that was created for the Surface Navy. From conception to installation, the development of ODIN took less than two and half years. The device will be used in the fleet's anti-drone defense. Future Surface Navy Laser Weapon Systems will also benefit from the technology.
Optical Dazzler Interdictor Navy (ODIN)
The Optical Dazzler Interdictor is a directed-energy weapon that will be used on surface combatants of the US Navy. It is designed to deflect uncrewed aerial systems and deflect them away from the surface combatant. The US Navy has already selected VTG to install the ODIN system on five Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers.
According to Navy budget requests fiscal 2023, there are seven ODIN units in operation and one that is under testing and certification. It has been installed aboard three Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers, including USS Stockdale. The two remaining units will be installed over the next few decades.
Cost per shot
While developing lasers is challenging, it is also difficult to integrate them into a ship. A recent CRS report estimates that the cost per shot of ODIN or LaWS-sized systems will be approximately $1.15, while the cost of a 480-kW laser could run as high as $10. The bulk of the laser's cost comes from the fuel used to produce electricity. However, many Navy ships are not equipped to produce such high-intensity outputs in short bursts.
The ODIN laser weapon system, which is a first step in the development of laser weapons, has shown tremendous promise. Although the system's primary goal is to protect a surface fighter from aerial threats it is not a weapon of point-defense. Lasers have the ultimate goal to eliminate expensive munitions that can sometimes cost millions of dollars per shot.
Size
The Odin laser is a class 4 handheld high-power burning laser powered by two 26650 batteries. You can burn matches, plastic and wood pieces instantly. The Odin5W laser is the newest version. It is stronger than the 3W.
Installation on surface ships
The U.S. Navy has developed a new weapon system called the ODIN laser. The laser is designed to disrupt the optical sensors of unmanned aerial vehicles. While these drones do not pose a danger to surface ships they would be useless for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes. They would be unable to find their way which would hinder their ability conduct Navy activities.
It is expected that the ODIN laser can be installed on surface ships in 2020. VTG has been chosen by the US Navy as the company to develop and implement this system. Over 240 upgrades were completed for US Navy submarines, aircraft carrier and surface ship. The US Navy will now have an asymmetric threat-based response system with the weapon systems.
Potential to develop other laser weapon technologies
Laser weapons could be transformative technology and can greatly increase the military's effectiveness. These precision weapons are capable of destroying munitions, dazzling or penetrating structures and neutralising unmanned aerial systems. They are extremely flexible and can be tailored for a variety effects.
Laser-based systems, which are platform-friendly and highly efficient, can stealth-like abilities. They can easily damage targets hundreds or even thousands of miles away. These systems were developed by a variety of government-funded research projects. The Defense Advanced analysis Agency, USA, developed a high powered airborne laser platform. This platform was used to perform laser experiments.