Weapon system with at least two HEL effectors

Abstract

Weapon system (100) with at least two HEL effectors (5.1, 5.2, 5.3), each of which has at least one beam guidance system (2.1, 2.2, 2.3), wherein the at least two HEL effectors (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) comprise at least one jointly usable pump source (10), characterized in that the at least one pump source (10) can be connected via at least one optical switching unit (4) arranged between an output of the pump source (10) and an input of an oscillator (21.1, 21.2, 21.3) of the respective HEL effector (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) to create the HEL effectors (5.1, 5.2, 5.3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a weapon system consisting of at least two high-energy laser (HEL) effectors. The invention relates to the system design of a weapon system with several, but at least two, HEL effectors on an object, particularly with regard to the aspects of system weight, volume, integration concept, and installation effort. The invention also relates to an object with such a weapon system on which at least parts of the weapon system can be arranged.

[0002] HEL effectors, among other things, are used to protect objects, whether moving or stationary. A HEL effector is used to engage different targets. Multiple HEL effectors can be aimed at one or more targets simultaneously. These can include static targets such as mines, IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), etc., but also dynamic targets such as rockets, artillery shells, or RAM missiles. These targets are then destroyed and / or eliminated as part of the threat defense. Small targets (Low, Slow & Small = LSS targets) in particular can be destroyed or eliminated more easily with such a weapon system. LSS targets also include so-called UAVs (Unmanned Air Vehicles), such as drones, which are often misused to transport explosives.

[0003] The key components of a HEL effector include a laser source and a beam delivery system. The beam delivery system can house the subassemblies of a fine imaging system (FIS), a fine tracking system (FTS), a telescope, and, if necessary, at least one adaptive optics (AO). Common laser sources include gas lasers, such as CO2 lasers, and solid-state lasers, such as diode lasers and fiber lasers.

[0004] Currently, fiber lasers, a special form of diode-pumped solid-state lasers, are preferred as laser sources for HEL effectors due to their advantages. High-power fiber lasers comprise one or more pump sources, such as one or more pump diodes. In fiber lasers, the pump light is coupled into an active fiber and converted into laser light of very high beam quality. High-power fiber lasers are constructed either as pure oscillators (an active fiber with a resonator) or as multi-stage oscillator amplifier systems known as MOPAs (Master Oscillator and Power Amplifiers). In MOPA designs, the power of an oscillator is coupled into subsequent amplifier stages (active fibers) and amplified to higher power. The laser light is then radiated via the beam delivery system onto a target, etc., to engage the target. All optical components are typically connected via optical fibers (passive transport fibers).In addition, there is the power supply and cooling system, which supplies power and cools the pump source and master oscillator power amplifiers of the individual laser sources. The power supply and cooling system can be part of the laser source.

[0005] Due to nonlinear processes that can occur in fibers at high power, the lengths of the transport fibers, for example, between the MOPA or oscillator and the beam delivery system, must be limited at high powers in the multi-kW range. Depending on power, fiber parameters, fiber structure, wavelength, etc., the maximum possible fiber length can be just a few meters.

[0006] Beam quality M2 is also a crucial factor for the effectiveness of HEL effectors. The beam quality value M2 should be as small as possible, preferably less than 2.

[0007] Like other weapon systems, HEL effectors can be mounted on a fixed or mobile platform. A platform is also referred to as a weapon station. These platforms can be attached to stationary objects (e.g., houses, bunkers, containers, etc.) or mobile objects (e.g., land, air, and sea vehicles, containers, etc.). For larger objects, multiple platforms are often used. On a vehicle, particularly a maritime object such as a ship, the platforms are often arranged on the starboard and / or port side. Additional platforms can also be attached to the bow and / or stern.

[0008] The advantages of a HEL effector over conventional effectors (conventional weapons) include high accuracy and instantaneous impact. A lead time is not required. There is also no muzzle flash and virtually no firing signature. Likewise, the HEL effector's usability is not limited by a magazine supply.

[0009] To achieve the required beam quality of a HEL effector, the MOPA or oscillator should be located very close to the weapon station or platform. In practice, the components of the HEL effector are housed in a compartment. This leads to limitations regarding installation locations and the achievable maximum laser power. Such a limitation has a particularly negative impact on maritime assets.

[0010] DE 10 2010 051 097 A1 discloses a laser system for generating high or compact power densities at an object. The power is distributed among several lasers or laser weapons, which are geometrically superimposed at the target, so that a total power density of all individual power densities is achieved at the target. As a weapon, the individual lasers or laser weapons form a weapon system for engaging an attacking object. These laser weapons are aimed at the object using coarse and fine tracking. The laser weapons can be mounted on a moving or stationary platform. According to the document, such lasers can also be used for material processing, for example, at greater distances, as processing lasers.

[0011] WO 2006 / 103655 A2 describes a laser or laser weapon in which a laser generation unit is spatially separated from a telescope aimed at the target. While the telescope, together with a target acquisition or tracking system, is located on a movable platform of a mobile vehicle, the laser generation unit is permanently integrated into the mobile vehicle or a separate unit. The functional connection between the telescope and the laser generation unit is established by an optical fiber.

[0012] DE 33 18 686 A1 discloses a device for aligning a laser beam. This device is designed to pivot a high-energy laser beam in a fixed parallel orientation for the purpose of aligning other devices located on a platform. The laser source is located off the platform. The laser beam is transmitted to optical elements via deflecting mirrors.

[0013] DE 10 2012 015 074 B3 publishes a beam directing unit for a laser weapon system, wherein the beam directing unit has a stationary / partially movable part and a fully movable part. A target acquisition or tracking system, as well as a telescope and an output stage element, are attached to the fully movable part. The beam directing unit comprises at least one laser generation unit, which has at least one seed laser unit and at least one pump laser unit. The seed laser unit and the pump laser unit are each connected to the output stage element (e.g., amplifier) ​​using an optical fiber. If there are multiple pump laser units, the individual laser powers are combined in a beam coupler and also fed to the output stage element via an optical fiber. This allows the mass of the fully movable part to be reduced. The total weight of the object, however, remains unchanged.

[0014] US 5 208 699 A describes a laser system for optical beam amplification and transmission, wherein a laser oscillator, a phase conjugating mirror (PCM), and an optical amplifier are provided at a central station. From the central station, a low-power, diffraction-limited signal is transmitted to the various local stations, preferably via polarization-maintaining single-mode optical fibers. At each local station, the received, low-power, diffraction-limited beam is coupled into a fiber optic transmission bus, which transmits the beam back to the central station for amplification and phase conjugation. The beam is then returned to the originating local station for use in the work application. The described laser system is intended, among other things, to perform welding and cutting operations in factory systems.

[0015] The invention aims to optimize the system design when using two or more HEL effectors with regard to the required mass, space requirements and integration effort.

[0016] The problem is solved by the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are shown in the subclaims.

[0017] The invention is based on the idea of ​​not assigning all the key components of a HEL effector to each HEL effector. For example, not every HEL effector should have its own complete laser source or parts thereof. Rather, it is envisaged that this key component, or parts thereof, can be used jointly by several HEL effectors. This key component, or parts thereof, is defined as a jointly usable component. In an optimal design, a HEL effector only needs to have its own key component, namely at least one beam guidance system as an individual component. The subassemblies fine imaging system (FIS), fine tracking system (FTS), telescope and, if necessary, at least one adaptive optics (AO) can be accommodated in the individual beam guidance systems. The jointly usable key component, orParts of it, in turn, are connected to the individual key component(s) of the HEL effector in such a way that the function of at least one HEL effector is ensured.

[0018] The present invention therefore proposes the use of a shared pump source for the at least two HEL effectors in a weapon system with at least two HEL effectors, each of which has at least one beam guidance system. The beam guidance systems of the HEL effectors access the shared pump source. The shared pump source is optically linked to the beam guidance systems, directly or indirectly, by means of at least one optical switching unit, so that at least one functional, complete HEL effector is provided in the weapon system for threat defense. The optical switching unit is arranged between an output of the pump source and an input of an oscillator of the respective HEL effector.

[0019] As a consequence of this idea, individual key components or parts thereof can be eliminated when multiple HEL effectors are installed on an object. By eliminating individual key components or parts thereof, the overall weight, space requirements, and integration effort of the HEL effectors on the object can be reduced.

[0020] This idea is based on the knowledge that, thanks to the accuracy, precision, and rapid targeting of today's HEL effectors, engaging a target or even multiple targets is possible with a single HEL effector. There is no need for all HEL effectors mounted on the object to be operational at the same time.

[0021] In a first, technically feasible embodiment, several HEL effectors, at least two, consist of a shared key component, the laser source, and an individual key component, the dedicated beam guidance system. The laser source comprises at least one pump source with at least one pump diode, preferably several, as well as at least one MOPA, alternatively at least one oscillator. A power supply and cooling system can also be assigned to the laser source.

[0022] The central laser source is the key component of all HEL effectors. Optical connections are implemented using optical fibers or free beams. The laser source, which can be used by multiple HEL effectors, can be centrally positioned on the object. It is important to ensure that the necessary beam quality is maintained during beam transport.

[0023] The central laser source is optically connected to the individual beam guidance systems via at least one optical switching unit. The optical switching unit can be an optical switch or an optical switching switch. An optical switching switch is characterized by its fast, precise, and always reliable switching. The optical switching unit should also be designed to split the laser light between at least two outputs of the optical switching unit, even simultaneously. The splitting should be continuous or possible in multiple stages. At least two stages must be provided, e.g., via end stops. The laser light should be capable of being split from 0 to 100%.

[0024] In a first version, the individual HEL effector thus consists of a shared laser source and at least one dedicated beam guidance system. This creates the possibility that only the individual beam guidance system of each HEL effector needs to be mounted on a platform, as previously defined. Although this possible design is not favored, it is technically feasible.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, not the entire laser source, i.e., including all components such as the pump source, MOPA or oscillator, and possibly the power supply and cooling system, is arranged centrally. It may be sufficient if only the pump source(s) of the laser source are centralized. In addition to its own beam guidance system, each HEL effector is assigned its own master oscillator + amplifier (MOPA) or oscillator. This MOPA or oscillator can then be mounted near, even in the immediate vicinity of, the respective platform, but also on the respective platform. Each amplifier of the MOPA or each oscillator is optically connectable to the pump source. Depending on the fiber length, the master oscillator (MO) can be accommodated in the area of ​​the pump source or the amplifier. Additional amplifiers can also be integrated upstream of the individual beam guidance systems of the HEL effectors.

[0026] The optical switching unit, in turn, serves to distribute the pump power of the pump source between at least two outputs of the optical switching unit. If there are multiple pump sources, these can also be distributed via the optical switching unit to at least two outputs of the optical switching unit. The outputs of the optical switching unit(s) for the pump power are, in turn, connected to at least one input of the amplifiers (PA) of the HEL effectors, preferably via optical fibers. The distribution of the pump power should be continuous or possible in multiple stages. At least two stages must be provided, e.g., via end stops. It should be possible to distribute the pump power from 0 to 100%. Furthermore, it is intended that distribution can be possible for multiple outputs of the optical switching unit simultaneously.A simultaneous distribution of the pump power to the amplifiers (PA) of the HEL effectors makes it possible to activate several HEL effectors at the same time.

[0027] Alternatively, each pump source can be routed to its own optical switching unit and distributed from there to at least two outputs. Furthermore, using multiple optical switching units with at least two outputs, a cascade-like arrangement of two n - outputs can be realized.

[0028] In this second embodiment, the individual HEL effector consists of a shared, central pump source, as well as at least one dedicated MOPA or at least one dedicated oscillator, and at least one dedicated beam guidance system. The respective MOPA or oscillator of the HEL effectors can be located near the beam guidance system of the HEL effector. Direct connection to the platform, along with the beam guidance system, is also conceivable.

[0029] The optical connection between the pump source and the amplifiers of the MOPA or the oscillators is preferably via optical fibers. A free-space variant is also possible. The optical connection of the central pump source with the oscillators or the amplifiers of the MOPA is also made here via at least one optical switching unit. The optical switching unit can also be an optical switch or an optical switching combiner. In this embodiment, the optical switching unit can, for example, result in an effective line: pump unit - fiber (optical path) - optical switching unit - fiber (optical path) - oscillator or amplifier. When multiple oscillators are used, the outputs of the optical switching unit(s) are connected to a pump input (active medium) of the oscillator, preferably via optical fibers.Thus, even with low beam quality from the pump diodes, despite the high power, an optical connection (fiber, free beam) between at least one optical switch and the amplifiers or oscillators can be realized at a distance significantly greater than a few meters. However, modifications in which an optical path is missing are also conceivable with this design.

[0030] Another possibility is to provide a shared master oscillator (MO) separate from the pump source instead of numerous individual master oscillators. The optical connections between the pump source and the amplifiers of the HEL effectors are implemented according to the second embodiment. The resulting central master oscillator can be located near the pump source, simplifying the power supply and cooling of the master oscillator. The output of the master oscillator can be switched to at least one input of the amplifiers (PA) of the HEL effectors via at least one additional optical switching unit.

[0031] Due to the low weight of the individual amplifier, it can be mounted directly on the platform with the beam delivery system. This allows for coupling the amplifier with good beam quality at high power into the beam delivery system. Depending on the output power of the master oscillator, different permissible fiber lengths result for the optical connection, e.g., optical fiber, between the master oscillator and the amplifiers.

[0032] In this third, also favored version, the individual HEL effector consists of a shared central pump source, a shared master oscillator (MO), its own amplifiers (PA) and its own beam guidance systems.

[0033] An additional control system can also be used to determine which of the MOPAs, amplifiers (PAs), or oscillators to be connected should be supplied with which percentage of laser or pump power. This allows the beam power of the laser or pump source to be adjusted and / or varied for each HEL effector. This percentage can be controlled using the optical switching unit(s).

[0034] The optical switching units can, in turn, be spaced apart from the central laser source or the central pump source and, if applicable, from the central master oscillator (MO). Due to the low beam quality of the pump diodes, an optical connection (fiber, free beam), particularly between the optical switching units and the amplifiers or oscillators, can be realized at a distance significantly greater than a few meters. With poorer beam quality, the beam is transported in fibers with a larger core diameter at a reduced intensity, thus reducing the occurrence of nonlinear processes.

[0035] The optical switching unit also allows the laser source or pump source to be isolated from the other components of the HEL effectors. The HEL effectors can be placed in a safe state via the optical switching unit(s).

[0036] Of course, additional central laser sources, pump sources, and additional central master oscillators, etc., can also be provided as shared key components. This allows for the creation of a redundant system. Multiple HEL effectors can also be combined into groups that can then be operated in parallel.

[0037] The use of a single laser source, or alternatively a pump source, etc., for multiple HEL effectors allows for a reduction in the overall weight of the object. The decentralized arrangement of the shared, central laser source or pump source, etc., for the multiple HEL effectors also makes it possible to install them on or within the object, protected from environmental influences.

[0038] In addition to the weight savings, the present invention offers another advantage. The laser source, pump source, and, if applicable, the central master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA), or the central master oscillator (MO) or central oscillator can now be conveniently housed within the object, e.g., in the hull of a ship or vehicle. These components are no longer exposed to the environmental conditions on the object. Spatial separation also offers another advantage. This allows the individual components to be installed in smaller spaces on the object, for example, in niches.

[0039] Especially on a ship, the reduction in components is a huge advantage. Such a reduction in components makes the use of HEL effectors on such objects both feasible and financially viable. HEL effectors can be offered at lower costs. Existing platforms, such as those used for conventional effectors, can also be used. For example, the platform of a naval light gun, etc., can be used to accommodate individual HEL effector components. These advantages also apply to other vehicles on land, at sea, and in the air, and can be transferred to other objects.

[0040] The mode of action is generalized as follows: If a target or threat is detected, a weapon deployment system, for example, determines which of the beam guidance systems located on the object at the HEL effect sites can best and most quickly deter or neutralize the threat. Such methods are known to those skilled in the art. The weapon deployment system then decides which beam guidance system(s) to use. Alternatively, an operator can initiate this. Based on this decision, the selected beam guidance system(s) are optically linked, as previously described. The switching of the optical switching unit(s) can be pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, or electro-optical, although other possibilities are not excluded. The switching is controlled by the central control unit.

[0041] The invention will be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment with a drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the inventive concept in a schematic block diagram, wherein a laser source can be used for at least two or more HEL effectors, Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the inventive idea in a schematic block diagram, wherein at least one pump source can be used for at least two or more HEL effectors, Fig. 3 a third embodiment similar Fig. 2, Fig. 4 a further embodiment of the inventive idea in a schematic block diagram Fig. 5 a sketch of a cascade setup for dividing the laser power.

[0042] In Fig. 1 shows a laser source 1 and at least two beam guidance systems 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 as key components of several, at least two HEL effectors 5.1, 5.2, 5.3.

[0043] An imaging system is defined as the beam guidance system 2.1, 2.2, 2.3. This can be constructed according to DE 10 2010 051 097 A1. Beam guidance systems with a different structure are also conceivable. The laser source 1 includes at least one pump source 10, which is formed by at least one pump diode. The pump source 10 can be supplied with power and cooled by a power supply and cooling system 11. This power supply and cooling system 11 can be a component of the laser source 1. Associated with the laser source 1 is a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) 12 (e.g., seed laser + amplifier), which can be placed therein. Alternatively, an oscillator (single resonator) 13 can also be used.

[0044] The individual beam guidance systems 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 of the HEL effectors 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 can be connected to the laser source 1 via an optical switching unit 4. The HEL effectors 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 thus have a common laser source 1 and individual beam guidance systems 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 as their key components.

[0045] The optical switching unit 4 can be an optical switch or an optical switching switch. The optical switching unit has at least one input and at least two outputs. The optical switching unit 4 should be designed to be able to divide the laser power (optical power) generated in the laser source 1 for the beam guides 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 of the HEL effectors 5.1, 5.2, 5.3. The division can be continuous or in multiple stages. The optical power can be divided between 0 and 100%. Furthermore, it is intended that the optical power can be divided simultaneously, so that several beam guides 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 can be supplied with optical power simultaneously by the optical switching unit 4. If, for example, the optical switching unit 4 has only two outputs, a cascade can be constructed using several optical switching units 4, via which the laser power can be distributed between the beam guides 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 can be realized (. Fig. 5).

[0046] The output of laser source 1 is optically connected (15) to an input of optical switching unit 4, ideally via an optical fiber. Free-running is also possible. The multiple outputs of optical switching unit 4 are routed to inputs of beam guidance systems 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 via optical connections 15. The switching of optical switching unit 4 is controlled by an additional controller 6.

[0047] The beam guidance systems 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 can, in turn, be mounted on a platform 7, 8, 9. Platforms 7, 8, 9 are preferably movable, so that the beam guidance systems 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 of the HEL effectors 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 can be pivoted in azimuth and / or elevation. This allows the HEL effectors 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 to be directed toward the threat(s).

[0048] In a first embodiment, the HEL effectors 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 are formed by the common, central laser source 1, the optical switching unit 4, the separate beam guidance systems 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and the optical connections 15, ideally optical fibers.

[0049] Several HEL effectors 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 can be combined to form a weapon system 100.

[0050] It works as follows: After a threat or threats, etc., have been detected in the conventional manner, a weapon deployment system, e.g., a fire control system (not shown in detail), determines which beam guidance system 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 would achieve effective defense against the threat. If the beam guidance system 2.1 of the HEL effector 5.1 is determined, this information is passed to the controller 6. This, in turn, switches the optical switching unit 4 such that the optical power of the laser source 1 is transmitted via the switched output of the optical switching unit 4 and the input of the selected beam guidance system 2.1. This beam guidance system 2.1 radiates the optical power against the threat.

[0051] The optical power of laser source 1 can also be delivered to beam guidance system 2.1 in a reduced capacity (less than 100%) by optical switching unit 4. Should fire control determine that more than one beam guidance system 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 is needed for defense, the optical power of laser source 1 is split and this split optical power is directed to the inputs of the beam guidance systems 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 designated or specified for defense. From these, the optical power can then be radiated against the threat to avert it. The beam guidance systems 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 can be directed at one threat together or separately at different threats.

[0052] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show a variant of the solution according to the Fig. 1 as a second embodiment. In contrast to the solution according to Fig. In the second embodiment, the MOPA 12 or the oscillator 13 is separated from the laser source 1. A central pump source 10 is created, which generates the required pump power for all HEL effectors 5.1, 5.2, 5.3.

[0053] According to Fig. 2, instead of a central oscillator 13, several oscillators 21.1, 21.2, 21.3 are provided for the HEL effectors 5.1, 5.2, 5.3. An output of the respective oscillator 21.1, 21.2, 21.3 is routed to the associated beam guidance system 2.1, 2.2, 2.3. The oscillators 21.1, 21.2, 21.3 are supplied with pump power from the pump source 10 via the optical switching unit 4. The switching of the optical switching unit 4 is carried out as for Fig. 1 described.

[0054] The MOPA 12 can also be divided into several MOPA 22.1, 22.2, 22.3 ( Fig. 3). These MOPAs 22.1, 22.2, 22.3 can be arranged near platforms 7, 8, 9. One output of the amplifier of MOPAs 22.1, 22.2, 22.3 is directed to the associated beam guidance system 2.1, 2.2, 2.3. The amplifiers of MOPAs 22.1, 22.2, 22.3 are supplied with pump power from pump source 10 via the optical switching unit 4. The operation and switching of the optical switching unit 4 is as described for Fig. 1 described.

[0055] In these embodiments, the HEL effectors 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 are formed by a common pump source 10 (plus energy supply and cooling device 11), the optical switching unit 4, the oscillators 21.1, 21.2, 21.3 or MOPA 22.1, 22.2, 22.3 and their own beam guides 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 as well as the optical connections 15, ideally optical fibers.

[0056] Fig. 4 shows a further solution variant of the inventive idea, starting from Fig. 3. The embodiment according to Fig. 3 shows the variant according to which the entire MOPA 22.2, 22.3 can be mounted separately from the pump source 10 in the vicinity of the pump source 10 or the beam guidance systems 2.1, 2.2, 2.3.

[0057] Accordingly Fig. 4, a further step in implementing the idea is to design these MOPAs 22.1, 22.2, 22.3 in such a way that a common master oscillator (MO) 22 can be created and used by the remaining amplifiers .1, .2, .3. This minimizes the weight required for mounting, since only the respective amplifiers .1, .2, .3 would need to be mounted.

[0058] For this embodiment, a further optical switching unit 14 is used which, like the optical switching unit 4 for the pump power, can connect the central master oscillator 22 to the individual amplifiers .1, .2, .3, even simultaneously. This optical switching unit 14 should be able to meet the same requirements as the optical switching unit 4. For this purpose, the optical switching unit 14 is located between the output of the master oscillator 22 and an input of the amplifiers .1, .2, .3 and switches the output of the master oscillator 22 to the respective input of the amplifiers .1, .2, .3. Another input of the amplifiers .1, .2, .3 is reserved for feeding the pump power of the pump source 10.

[0059] In this fourth embodiment, the HEL effectors 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 are created by a central pump source 10, a central master oscillator (MO) 22, the individual amplifier(s) .1, .2, .3, which are aligned with the individual beam guidance system 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, as well as the optical connections 15, ideally optical fibers.

[0060] It is understood that within the scope of the inventive idea, more than one weapon system 100 can be mounted on the object, e.g. a port-side weapon system or a starboard-side weapon system, etc.

Claims

[1] Weapon system (100) with at least two HEL effectors (5.1, 5.2, 5.3), each having at least one beam guidance system (2.1, 2.2, 2.3), wherein the at least two HEL effectors (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) comprise at least one jointly usable pump source (10), characterized by that the at least one pump source (10) can be connected via at least one optical switching unit (4) arranged between an output of the pump source (10) and an input of an oscillator (21.1, 21.2, 21.3) of the respective HEL effector (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) to create the HEL effectors (5.1, 5.2, 5.3). [2] Weapon system (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that the at least one pump source (10) can be connected via at least one optical switching unit (4) arranged between an output of the pump source (10) and an input of an amplifier of a MOPA (21.1, 21.2, 21.3) of the respective HEL effector (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) to create the HEL effectors (5.1, 5.2, 5.3). [3] Weapon system (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that the at least one pump source (10) can be connected via at least one optical switching unit (4) inserted between an output of the pump source (10) and an input of an amplifier (.1, .2, .3) of the respective HEL effector (5.1, 5.2, 5.3), and at least one master oscillator (22) can be connected via at least one further optical switching unit (14) inserted between an output of the master oscillator (22) and a further input of the amplifier (.1, .2, .3) of the respective HEL effector (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) to create the HEL effectors (5.1, 5.2, 5.3). [4] Weapon system (100) according to one of claims 1 to characterized by that the at least one optical switching unit (4, 14) is an optical switch or an optical switching switch. [5] Weapon system (100) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized bythat the beam power of the pump source (10) of the HEL effectors (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) can be adjusted and / or varied by the optical switching unit (4, 14). [6] Object with a weapon system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the pump source (10) and / or the master oscillator (22) can be arranged centrally and / or decentrally with respect to the beam guides (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) on or in the object. [7] Object according to claim 6, characterized by that at least the beam guidance systems (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) of the HEL effectors (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) are mounted on platforms (7, 8, 9). [8] Object according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the object is a stationary object, in particular a house or a bunker, or a movable object, in particular a vehicle on land, air or sea or a container.

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