Effects of Directed Energy Weapons

Editor's Preface The manuscript comprising this book has an unusual history. It was completed in 1994 and submitted to the National Defense University for publication; however for a number of reasons, it was never actually published in hardcopy form. The staff of the Directed Energy Professional Society (DEPS) including a number of independent reviewers active in DE research felt that the material was a valuable addition to the body of literature in directed energy and should receive the benefits of open distribution in the context of historical reprint. Containing much more than simply descriptions of DE effects as implied by the title, it is a unique compilation of material ranging from the physics of conventional kinetic weapons to particle beams and provides a unique single source on the principles and effects of these weapons. It should prove useful to practitioners in the field as well as executives seeking to understand the detailed attributes of directed energy. Joseph S. Accetta, Ph.D. Managing Editor, Directed Energy Professional Society March, 2009