New energy storage technology could be used in laser weapon systems

　　A recent study by the Royal Navy linked laser weapons to racing. The British Special Technology Laboratory is trying to learn from the energy storage technology used in F1 racing cars to find a new generation of energy storage methods for high-power directed energy weapons such as lasers. Once successful, it will bring hope for laser weapons to be put on ships.

　　Energy storage technology on racing cars inspires

　　In 2012, the Audi R18 racing car that won the championship at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the world's three major automobile events, attracted widespread attention within and outside the industry. Some experts pointed out that the reason why this type of racing car is capable of beating the competition is that Red Bull Racing has applied the energy storage technology kinetic energy recovery system originally developed for Formula One racing cars to the car. This technology converts the useless energy generated when the car brakes into electrical energy, stores it, and releases it to provide additional power when the car accelerates. The Red Bull Racing Team, where the Audi R18 race car is based, applied this technology to the F1 car participating in the Formula One Championship in 2009. After the race, Red Bull Racing issued a statement saying that this technology has brought F1 racing into the hybrid era. Even if it uses a standard internal combustion engine, the racing car can achieve faster speeds in a shorter time.

　　New energy storage technology has aroused the interest of British special forces. The British military believes that the navy's ship-based laser weapons have not been put into practical combat applications on a large scale because they cannot properly solve the huge energy consumption problem. Therefore, the British Royal Navy intends to refer to the energy storage technology of F1 racing cars to collect and store the energy generated when the warship is running for use by shipborne laser weapons. Because this technology is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, it is highly valued by the British Royal Navy.

　　Launch of new energy storage technology

　　Subsequently, the British Special Technology Laboratory teamed up with the world-famous auto parts production group Natiff Company to develop a special energy storage technology flywheel energy storage system based on the kinetic energy recovery system of F1 racing cars. This technology uses a lightweight flywheel that rotates at high speed to store energy and output it as high-power electricity when needed.

　　Andrew Tate, an engineer at the British Special Technology Laboratory, said that flywheel energy storage technology was originally mainly used in the automobile manufacturing industry. A moving car can store the useless energy generated by braking, wheel rotation and other activities through a special flywheel system, and then transfer it to the engine when needed. In the same way, the 'useless' energy generated by the operation of warships can also be stored in a similar way for use when launching laser weapons. He said that in the future, this technology will give us more choices when looking for energy sources for laser weapons.

　　It is expected to help solve the problem of high energy consumption of laser weapons

　　According to reports, all the ships currently in service in the Royal Navy cannot bear the energy consumption caused by the continuous launch of high-power directed energy weapons and kinetic energy weapons such as rail guns. Once the flywheel energy storage system matures, it may bring about changes. This system will not only reduce the huge burden caused by the launch of directed energy or kinetic energy weapons to the ship, but will also improve the safety level of the warship.

　　The British Special Forces hope that the flywheel energy storage system will be used in the Dragonfire laser weapon system under development. This laser weapon system has a power of up to 50 kilowatts and can easily melt an 82mm mortar shell in a few seconds. It can also fight against incoming special forces, drones or high-speed attack boats, providing protection for maritime and ground equipment. However, currently No warship can provide enough energy support for it. The British Special Technology Laboratory hopes that after applying this technology, the Dragon Fire laser weapon system can be installed on smaller warships.

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