SLEEVE-BASED LASER WEAPON

Description

Domaine de l'invention

[0001] The field of the invention is that of weaponry, and more specifically of weapons emitting a powerful laser beam capable of destroying a target. WO 2016 / 024265 Al describes such a laser weapon. Art antérieur

[0002] Flying objects, such as drones, can pose numerous security challenges. They can be used by armed forces in conflict situations for intelligence gathering, or they can carry weapons or explosives and be used for aggressive purposes. Security forces must therefore have the capability to destroy such flying objects that could constitute a threat. Due to the small size, agility, and low cost of these flying objects, which allow for their large-scale deployment, traditional anti-aircraft weaponry is often inadequate. New weapon systems, specifically designed to destroy such flying objects, have therefore been developed.

[0003] A weapon has been proposed that can focus a powerful laser beam onto a flying object. This laser beam, by heating a point on the flying object, can cause its destruction.

[0004] Destroying a flying object with such a laser beam requires a duration of approximately ten seconds, during which the beam must be focused on a single point on the object. Adjusting the characteristics of the laser beam, particularly its power, can reduce this duration, but it has been observed that beyond a certain power level, further reductions in the time required to destroy a flying object through an additional increase in emitted power are no longer cost-effective.

[0005] This relatively long duration for which the laser weapon must be focused on a single flying object can lead to difficulties when threatened simultaneously by multiple flying objects. In such a case, the weapon will have to destroy each flying object successively and will, in some instances, be unable to destroy them all.

[0006] To facilitate the successive destruction of multiple flying objects, it is desirable that the laser weapon be able to switch very quickly from one target to another. The means of directing the laser beam to focus it on a target must therefore be extremely responsive and efficient.

[0007] To further increase the destructive capacity against a multitude of flying objects, it is possible to multiply the number of laser weapons deployed. However, such a solution entails high costs.

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks of the prior art.

[0009] In particular, one objective of the invention is to provide such a laser weapon whose effectiveness is improved compared to prior art solutions.

[0010] A particular objective, for at least some of the embodiments, is to provide such a laser weapon in which the systems for directing the laser beam to point and focus that laser beam on a target are improved.

[0011] Another objective, for at least some of the embodiments, is to provide such a laser weapon whose effectiveness in simultaneously and / or successively neutralizing multiple targets is improved.

[0012] Another objective, for at least some of the embodiments, is to provide such a laser weapon whose production, implementation and / or operating costs can be reduced, compared to prior art solutions. Exposé de l'invention

[0013] These objectives, as well as others that will become clearer later, are achieved using a laser weapon comprising a pod, means for orienting this pod, and at least one laser effector capable of emitting a laser beam, the laser effector comprising successively, in the direction of propagation of the laser beam: a laser source, initial optical means of deflection capable of deflecting the laser beam, a lens capable of focusing the laser beam, this lens being carried by the gondola, This laser weapon includes control means for guiding the pod and the first optical means for deflecting the laser effector. According to the invention, this laser effector includes second optical deflection means capable of deflecting the laser beam, these second optical deflection means being mounted on the pod and positioned after the target, in the direction of propagation of the laser beam, these second optical deflection means being controlled by the control means.

[0014] With the second set of optical deflection devices, the output laser beam emitted by the laser effector can be oriented relative to the pod's position over a wide angular range. The laser weapon thus incorporates faster, more efficient, and more reliable means of directing the output laser beam toward a target. Furthermore, since the laser beam's orientation can vary relative to the pod's direction, the pod can carry additional weapons or laser effectors, which can be directed at different targets.

[0015] Preferably, the second optical deflection means are capable of allowing a controlled deflection of the beam over an angular range greater than 3°, and preferably greater than 5°, and even more preferably greater than 10°.

[0016] In this application, the angular range is defined as the maximum angle between any two possible beam orientations. This angular range is preferably centered on the optical axis of the beam exiting the lens, which is referred to in this application as the "optical axis of the lens." Furthermore, this angular range preferably allows the beam to be deflected in all directions around the optical axis of the lens. In some cases, it is even possible to achieve a controlled beam deflection of several tens of degrees. Such a large deflection allows the beam to be directed toward targets independently of the position of the gimbal.

[0017] Preferably, the first optical means of deflection are capable of allowing controlled deflection of the beam over an angular range of less than 5 milliradians.

[0018] This deviation must be of small amplitude so as not to disrupt the passage of the beam through the lens. Such a deviation can, however, be achieved very quickly and precisely.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, these second optical deflection means comprise several prismatic blades capable of rotating around the optical axis of the objective.

[0020] Such deflection devices are known as diasporameters or Risley prisms. The rotation of the prismatic plates can easily be motorized to quickly and easily achieve controlled beam deflection.

[0021] According to another possible embodiment, these second optical means of deflection may include one or more movable reflectors.

[0022] Such optical means of deflection including movable mirrors can allow deflection of the beam of very large amplitude, for example of several tens of degrees.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, the laser effector includes an optical fiber capable of conducting the laser beam between the laser source and the first deflection means.

[0024] In this case, advantageously, the first means of deflecting the laser effector are carried by the nacelle, and the laser source of the laser effector is placed outside the nacelle.

[0025] One of the advantages of such a solution is that it allows for a reduction in the mass and volume of the nacelle.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment, the nacelle orientation means comprise a turret carrying the nacelle, this turret being capable of pivoting the nacelle around two axes perpendicular to each other.

[0027] Such a turret is commonly used to quickly and efficiently orient a pod. This pod can carry, in addition to the laser effector, other elements such as weapons or sensors, which can be oriented by the pod. In this case, the beam emitted by the laser effector can be directed independently of the orientation of these weapons or sensors, thanks to secondary optical deflection mechanisms.

[0028] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the laser weapon comprises at least two distinct laser effectors, each of these laser effectors comprising at least one objective carried by the pod, at least one of these laser effectors comprising the second means for optically deflecting the beam.

[0029] These secondary optical beam deflection means allow the different laser effectors, mounted on the same platform, to be pointed in independent directions and target distinct targets. Preferably, the separate laser effectors each have first and second optical beam deflection means as described above. It should be noted, however, that these separate laser effectors may, in certain configurations, share some components, for example, share the same laser source. They are nevertheless considered separate insofar as they allow the emission of distinct beams.

[0030] Advantageously, the objectives of the separate laser effectors are oriented, on said nacelle, along optical axes that are not parallel to each other.

[0031] The overall angular range in which the different laser effectors carried by the same nacelle can emit laser beams is thus increased. Description des figures

[0032] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of preferred embodiments, given by way of simple figurative and non-limiting example, and accompanied by the figures, among which: There [ Fig.1 ] is a schematic representation of a laser weapon according to one possible embodiment of the invention. The [ Fig.2 ] is a diagram schematically representing the components of the laser weapon of the [ Fig.1 ]. There [ Fig.3 ] is a diagram schematically representing the components of the laser effector of the laser weapon of the [ Fig.1 ]. There [ Fig.4 ] is a schematic representation of a laser weapon according to another possible embodiment of the invention. The [ Fig.5 ] is a schematic representation of a laser weapon according to yet another possible embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0033] There [ Fig.1 ] represents in perspective a laser weapon 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, the main components of which are schematically represented by the diagram of the [ Fig.2 ].

[0034] This laser weapon 1 includes a steerable pod 15, which carries some of the components of the laser weapon 1. This pod is controlled, that is, its orientation can be changed in response to instructions from control means. In the embodiment represented by the [ Fig.1 This gondola 15 consists of a metal casing. In other possible embodiments, a gondola according to the invention may consist of any support that can be oriented in different directions and is capable of carrying at least part of a laser effector.

[0035] This gondola 15 is advantageously supported by an articulated turret 14, which allows the gondola 15 to be oriented in a desired direction in response to instructions from the control system. In the embodiment shown, the turret 14 is articulated along two axes: a substantially vertical axis 141 and a substantially horizontal axis 142. This allows the orientation of the gondola 15 it carries, relative to the support on which the turret 14 is fixed, to be varied in all directions.

[0036] The movements of the turret components 14 are advantageously controlled by servomotors capable of rapidly changing the angular position of the nacelle 15 in response to commands from the control system. The turret 14 thus allows for a fairly responsive and efficient modification of the nacelle 15's orientation over a very large angular range. However, these movements of the turret components 14, the nacelle 15, and the components mounted on this nacelle 15 involve significant inertial forces due to the masses of these components. These inertial forces impose a limitation on the speed of the nacelle's movements.

[0037] The gondola 15 carries, according to the invention, at least a part of a laser effector 2, capable of emitting a focused laser beam capable of damaging or destroying a distant target.

[0038] The movements of the turret components 14, by modifying the orientation of the nacelle 15, thus allow the orientation of the focused laser beam emitted by the laser effector 2 to be modified with a very large angular amplitude, in order to direct this focused laser beam towards its target. Therefore, as an indication, the accuracy of the nacelle orientation obtained by the movements of the turret components is generally on the order of a few hundredths of a milliradian.

[0039] The accuracy of the orientation obtained by the movements of the components of turret 14 is however insufficient to ensure the precise pointing of the beam emitted by the laser effector 2 on a small target located several hundred meters away.

[0040] The laser effector 2 is itself composed of several components which are schematically represented by the [ Fig.3 ] : a laser source 21 emits an initial laser beam 210, first optical deflection means 22 direct this initial laser beam 210, a lens 23 focuses this initial laser beam 210, to form the focused laser beam 230, second optical deflection means 24 direct the focused laser beam 230 to form the output laser beam 240.

[0041] The laser source 21 that emits the initial laser beam 210 may comprise a laser diode or any laser cavity capable of producing a beam and, where applicable, one or more amplifiers capable of amplifying this beam. Such a laser source is well known to those skilled in the art. It is advantageously controlled, that is to say, it emits a laser beam having desired characteristics in response to instructions from control means.

[0042] Advantageously, the laser source 21 can be designed to emit the initial laser beam 210 into an optical fiber, which can easily carry the initial laser beam 210.

[0043] Thanks to such an optical fiber, the laser source 21 can be located away from the other components of the laser effector 2. It is thus possible, for example, that most of the components of the laser effector 2 are carried by the nacelle 15, while the laser source 21 is placed outside the nacelle 15. In such a case, the laser source 21 is connected to the other components of the laser effector 2 by the optical fiber.

[0044] According to the invention, the initial laser beam 210 passes through first optical deflection means 22 before being focused by the objective 23. These first optical deflection means 22 are advantageously designed to precisely orient, within a restricted angular range, the output laser beam 240. They are advantageously controlled, that is to say, they allow the orientation of the output laser beam 240 to be varied in response to instructions from control means.

[0045] These initial optical deflection devices 22 can, for example, consist of a diasporameter or Risley prisms, composed of several prismatic plates that can pivot relative to each other around the optical axis. Such optical deflection devices are known, in themselves, for the orientation of laser beams.

[0046] In another possible embodiment, these first optical deflection means 22 can form an optical device for changing the direction of propagation of a light beam, comprising, in the direction of propagation of the light beam, a group of lenses that are generally diverging and a group of lenses that are generally converging. The group of lenses that is generally diverging contains, in the direction of propagation of the light beam, a fixed lens and an optical module comprising at least one movable optical element capable of changing the direction of propagation of the light beam emerging from the group of lenses that is generally diverging. Such optical devices are known to those skilled in the art and are described, for example, in document FR3064758A1.

[0047] In such a case, the first optical deflection means 22 can have the effect of angularly deflecting the initial laser beam 210 before its introduction into the objective 23, and / or of shifting the initial laser beam 210 from the optical axis of the objective 23. In both cases, the first optical deflection means 22 have the effect of angularly deflecting the focused laser beam 230 exiting the objective 23, and therefore the output laser beam 240.

[0048] Such an angular deflection of the output laser beam 240 can be achieved by the first optical deflection means 22, based on a control signal from the control means, with great precision and very high responsiveness. Indeed, the initial laser beam 210 is advantageously of small diameter. The moving optical components of the first optical deflection means 22 can therefore be small and exhibit very low inertia during their movements. It is thus possible to move them very quickly.

[0049] Conversely, the angular deflection of the output laser beam 240 obtained by the first optical deflection means 22 can only have a very limited amplitude. Indeed, a deflection of too great a amplitude would prevent the initial laser beam 210 from passing correctly through the objective 23. By way of illustration, such first optical deflection means 22 can deflect the output laser beam 240 by an angle on the order of a milliradian, with an accuracy on the order of one hundredth of a milliradian.

[0050] The combination of the controlled orientation of the nacelle 15 by the turret 14, of very large amplitude but relatively inaccurate and relatively unresponsive, and of the controlled deviation, by the first optical means of deviation 22, of the focused laser beam 230 with respect to the nacelle 15, of small amplitude but very precise and very responsive, allows in practice the laser weapon 1 to point, over a large angular amplitude but very precisely, the output laser beam 240 emitted by the laser effector 2, so that it reaches a distant and small moving target.

[0051] After passing through the initial optical deflection devices 22, the laser beam passes through a lens 23, which is composed of a series of lenses capable of focusing the output laser beam 240 to a desired distance. The operation of such a lens is known to those skilled in the art. The lenses composing this lens are preferably movable relative to one another to allow adjustment of the focal length of the lens according to the distance of the target onto which the beam is to be focused. This lens is advantageously controlled, that is to say, it allows the beam to be given variable focusing characteristics in response to instructions from the control means.

[0052] In order for this focused laser beam 230 to be able to be focused on a distant point, it preferably has a diameter much larger than the diameter of the initial laser beam 210.

[0053] According to the invention, it is planned to add, at the output of the objective 23, second optical means for deflecting the beam 24 capable of modifying the orientation of the focused laser beam 230. These second optical means for deflecting the beam 24 are advantageously controlled, that is to say, they allow the orientation of the output laser beam 240 to be varied in response to instructions from control means.

[0054] As previously stated, these second optical deflection means 24 are generally not necessary to orient the focused laser beam 230. Indeed, the combination of the movements of the turret 14 and the first optical deflection means 22 is generally sufficient to orient this focused laser beam 230 over a large angular range and with high precision, in order to reach its target.

[0055] These second optical means of deflection 24 can, for example, consist of a diasporameter, or Risley prisms, composed of two prismatic plates that can pivot relative to each other around the optical axis. Such means of deflection are known, in themselves, to allow the controlled deflection of a beam.

[0056] According to another possible embodiment, these secondary optical deflection means may consist of a set of reflectors movable relative to one another, for example, movable mirrors whose position is controlled. It is also possible that these secondary optical deflection means comprise a combination of several different types of components, for example, pivoting prismatic plates and movable mirrors.

[0057] These second optical deflection means 24 are advantageously designed to allow a deflection amplitude of the output beam 240, relative to the optical axis of the objective, of an angle α greater than 3°, and preferably greater than 5°. It is even possible, in preferred embodiments, for these second optical deflection means to allow a deflection amplitude of the output beam 240 of an angle α greater than 10° or 20°.

[0058] These second optical means of deviation 24 being advantageously located after all the optics shaping the laser beam, they can have a significant angle of deviation without this inducing penalizing distortion on the output beam 240.

[0059] The laser weapon 1 advantageously includes a detection and targeting system 11. Such a detection and targeting system 11, which is known in itself, may include, for example, one or more radars, one or more LIDARs, and one or more cameras. It enables the detection of potential targets, the precise measurement of their position, and the tracking of that position. This detection and targeting system 11 may be associated with a human-machine interface 12, which may, for example, allow an operator to view potential targets on a screen. The operator can then choose whether to destroy one of these targets.

[0060] Furthermore, this detection and pointing system may include control means capable of controlling the laser source 21, the first optical deflection means 22, the objective 23 and the second optical deflection means 24.

[0061] In the embodiment shown, at least some of the sensors of the detection and pointing system 11 are carried by the platform 15. However, it is possible that other components of this detection and pointing system 11 are not carried by the platform 15. In other embodiments, it is also possible that none of the components of the detection and pointing system 11 are carried by the platform 15. This detection and pointing system 11 then operates independently of the position of the platform 15.

[0062] If the operator requests it, via the human-machine interface, the detection and pointing system 11 can point the laser effector 2 towards a target, enabling the laser effector 2 to emit a focused laser beam at that target for its destruction. To achieve this, the detection and pointing system 11 includes control means for the movements of the turret 14, the first optical deflection means 22, the lens 23, and the second optical deflection means 24, in order to achieve a focused laser beam 240 on the target.

[0063] The combination of the movements of the nacelle 15, thanks to the turret 14, and the beam deflections by the first optical deflection means 22 and the second optical deflection means 24 allows several advantages to be obtained.

[0064] Thus, the detection and pointing system 11, which controls these different means of orienting the output beam, can both modify the direction of the laser beam over a large angular amplitude, in particular with the help of the movements of the nacelle 15, and correct, in particular with the help of the first more precise optical means of deflection, the strong uncertainties linked to the orientation of the nacelle 15 by the turret 14, in order to ensure the precise pointing of the target.

[0065] Furthermore, the combination of the means of orienting the output laser beam 240 provided by the turret 14 and by the second optical means of deflection 24 advantageously improves the time of a large angular displacement of the output laser beam 240, for example to move from one target to another, and therefore optimizes the time of successive destruction of several targets by the laser weapon.

[0066] The second optical deflection means 24, which are positioned on a large-diameter focused laser beam 230, are composed of relatively large, and therefore heavy, components. These components thus have greater inertia when set in motion than the smaller components of the first optical deflection means 22. Consequently, these second optical deflection means 24 have a longer reaction time than the first optical deflection means 22. This reaction time is, however, shorter than that of the turret 14, which reduces the overall reaction time of the laser weapon 1, for example, when switching from one target to another.

[0067] Finally, the combination of these three means of orienting the output laser beam 240 makes it possible to improve the reliability of the laser weapon, in particular by allowing the orientation of the laser beam even in a degraded situation in which a malfunction of the turret 14 would reduce its accuracy or its speed of orientation, or even prevent any movement of the nacelle 15. The second optical means of deflection 24, by allowing an orientation of the output laser beam 240 relative to the position of the nacelle 15, over a relatively large amplitude, would allow the laser weapon 1 to continue to destroy targets.

[0068] There [ Fig.4 ] schematically represents a laser weapon 3 according to another possible embodiment of the invention.

[0069] This laser weapon comprises a steerable pod 15, which is carried by an articulated turret 14. This pod and turret are advantageously identical or nearly identical to those of the laser weapon 1 presented previously. This pod 15 carries, in the embodiment shown, two separate laser effectors 201 and 202. At least one of these laser effectors 201 is of the type shown by the [ Fig.3 ], and comprises a laser source, first optical deflection means, a lens, and second optical deflection means. Thus, the output laser beam emitted by this laser effector can be oriented, notably by the second deflection means, independently of the movements of the gondola 15.

[0070] The second laser effector 202 may, in certain embodiments, not have secondary optical deflection means. In such a case, the orientation of the output beam emitted by this second laser effector is achieved solely by the combination of the orientation means provided by the turret, which ensure its orientation over a large angular range, and by the secondary optical deflection means, which ensure its precise orientation over a small angular range.

[0071] However, preferably, the second laser effector 202 is, like the first laser effector 201, of the type represented by the [ Fig.3 ], and includes a laser source, first optical deflection means, a lens, and second optical deflection means. Thus, each of the two laser effectors can emit a laser beam orientable relative to its positioning axis on the gondola, over an angular range of more than 6°, and preferably more than 10°.

[0072] According to a preferred solution, the optical axes of the first laser effector 201 and the second laser effector 202 may not be parallel, but rather form an angle that can advantageously be from 10° to 20°. Thanks to optical deflection means, each laser effector can direct its beam into an angular zone centered on its optical axis, for a given position of the gondola. Due to beam divergence, the angular zones of the first laser effector 201 and the second laser effector 202 do not overlap, but are close, which allows for the simultaneous targeting of several distant targets. However, it is advantageous for these angular zones to partially overlap.Thus, if the gondola 15 is positioned so that a target is placed in the overlap zone of the angular zones of several laser effectors, these laser effectors can simultaneously target the same target, which can facilitate its destruction.

[0073] The laser weapon 3 advantageously includes a detection and pointing system 31 similar to the detection and pointing system 11 described previously, which enables the detection of potential targets, the precise measurement of their position, and the tracking of that position. In this embodiment, the detection and pointing system 31 includes control means for controlling the orientation means of the gondola 15 and the laser source, the first optical deflection means, the objective lens, and the second optical deflection means of each of the laser effectors 201 and 202.

[0074] When this detection and pointing system 31 detects several targets simultaneously, it can position the gondola 15 to allow each of the laser effectors 201 and 202 to be pointed towards one of the targets, taking into account the possible deviation amplitudes of each of these laser effectors. If possible, this position of the gondola is chosen so that each of the output beams emitted by one of the laser effectors 201 and 202 can be moved around its aiming axis in order to track its target.

[0075] The detection and pointing system 31 then controls the secondary optical deflection means of the first laser effector 201, and, if necessary, those of the second laser effector 202, to direct their beams towards the distinct targets. Finally, the detection and pointing system 31 controls the primary optical deflection means of each of the laser effectors 201 and 202, to precisely point their beams towards distinct targets.

[0076] Like the detection and targeting system 11, the detection and targeting system 31 can be associated with a human-machine interface to allow an operator to decide on the destruction of each of the targets.

[0077] The independent orientation of each of the beams emitted by the first and second laser effectors, thanks to the secondary optical deflection mechanisms with which at least one of these laser effectors is equipped, allows laser weapon 3 to simultaneously destroy or damage several targets. Such a weapon is therefore significantly more effective, for example, against a coordinated attack by several drones. Yet, such a weapon entails a lower cost than a combination of two laser weapons of the type represented by the [ Fig.1 Indeed, the cost of turret 14 and the possible carrier vehicle represents a significant portion of the cost of such a laser weapon.

[0078] In other possible embodiments, it is also conceivable to mount more than two laser effectors on a single steerable platform, allowing for the simultaneous targeting of a greater number of targets, provided these laser effectors can be steered independently of each other. The optical axes of the objectives of these laser effectors may advantageously be non-parallel to each other.

[0079] In yet another possible embodiment, it is also possible to carry one or more laser effectors and one or more conventional weapons on the same steerable pod.

[0080] Thus, for example, the [ Fig.5 ] represents a laser weapon 4 comprising a steerable gondola 15, which is carried by an articulated turret 14. This gondola and turret are advantageously identical or nearly identical to those of the laser weapon 1 presented previously. This gondola 15 carries, in the embodiment shown, a laser effector 2, which is advantageously identical to that represented by the [ Fig.1 This laser effector 2 thus comprises a laser source, first optical deflection means, a lens, and second optical deflection means. Therefore, the laser beam emitted by this laser effector 2 can be oriented, notably by the second deflection means, independently of the movements of the gondola 15.

[0081] This pod also carries a conventional weapon 5, such as a machine gun. Advantageously, this conventional weapon 5 can be aimed at its target by the movements of the pod 15. Since the laser beam emitted by the laser effector 2 can be oriented independently of the movements of the pod 15, this laser effector 2 and the conventional weapon 5 can be simultaneously aimed at two separate targets.

Claims

1. A laser weapon (1, 3, 4) comprising a pod (15), means for orienting said pod, and at least one laser effector (2) capable of emitting a laser beam, said laser effector (2) successively comprising, in the direction of propagation of said laser beam: - a laser source (21), - first optical deflection means (22), capable of deflecting the laser beam, - a lens (23) capable of focusing said laser beam, said lens (23) being carried by said pod (15), said laser weapon (1, 3) comprising control means controlling said orientation means of said pod and said first optical means for deflecting (22) said laser effector (2), characterized in that said laser effector (2) comprises second optical deflection means (24) capable of deflecting said laser beam, said second optical deflection means (24) being borne by said pod (15) and positioned after said lens (23), in the direction of propagation of said laser beam, said second optical deflection means (24) being controlled by said control means.

2. The laser weapon according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said second optical deflection means (24) are adapted to allow controlled deflection of said laser beam over an angle greater than 3°, preferably greater than 5°, and even more preferably greater than 10°.

3. The laser weapon according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first optical deflection means (22) are adapted to allow controlled deflection of said beam over an angular range of less than 5 milliradians.

4. The laser weapon according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second optical deflection means (24) comprise a plurality of prismatic blades rotatable about the optical axis of said lens (23).

5. The laser weapon according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second optical deflecting means (24) comprise one or more movable reflectors.

6. The laser weapon according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said laser effector (2) comprises an optical fiber suitable for conducting said laser beam between said laser source (21) and said first optical deflection means (22).

7. The laser weapon according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said first optical deflection means (22) of said laser effector (2) are borne by said pod (15), and in that said laser source (21) of said laser effector (2) is located outside said pod (15).

8. The laser weapon according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means for orienting said pod comprise a turret (14) carrying said pod (15), said turret (14) being capable of pivoting said pod (15) about two axes (141, 142) perpendicular to each other.

9. The laser weapon (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least two distinct laser effectors (201, 202), each of said laser effectors (201, 202) comprising at least one lens (23) carried by said pod (15), at least one of said laser effectors (201, 202) comprising said second optical beam deflection means (22).

10. The laser weapon according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said lenses of said separate laser effectors (201, 202) are oriented, on said pod (15), along optical axes that are not parallel to one another.