// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Dazzling
Dazzling is a non-destructive attack that uses a directed energy source, like a laser, to temporarily blind or saturate a satellite's optical sensors. This prevents the satellite from collecting images or data without causing permanent damage.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Dazzling is a reversible, non-destructive counter-space electronic warfare (EW) technique using a directed-energy weapon (DEW), typically a laser, to temporarily saturate or degrade an adversary's electro-optical (EO) or infrared (IR) sensors on space assets like satellites, achieving temporary mission denial.
BACKGROUND
A dazzler is a non-lethal weapon which uses intense directed radiation to temporarily disorient its target with flash blindness. Primarily intended to deter enemy forces from advancing in combat, it can also be used for hailing and warning. Targets can include electronic sensors as well as human vision.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Laser Dazzling
- Sensor Saturation
- Optical Dazzling
- Reversible Blinding
- Soft Kill
- Optical Interference
- Glare Attack
USAGE NOTE
Dazzling is considered a 'soft kill' or reversible effect, distinct from 'blinding' which implies permanent sensor damage.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Dazzling.
A U.S. Air Force laboratory that pioneers directed energy technologies. It developed the Personnel Halting and Stimulation Response (PHaSR) rifle, a prototype non-lethal laser weapon designed to temporarily dazzle and disorient targets.
A manufacturer of advanced photonics systems for defense and law enforcement. The company produces a line of non-lethal green laser systems, such as the GLARE RECOIL, specifically designed for hailing, warning, and dazzling.
A global technology leader in the aerospace, transport, and defense markets. Thales develops and markets laser dazzlers, including vehicle-mounted and man-portable systems, for non-lethal engagement and warning.
A major global aerospace and defense technology company. It develops a wide range of directed energy systems, including laser-based systems for infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) that can also be used in a dazzling capacity to disrupt optical sensors or personnel.
A multinational defense, security, and aerospace company. BAE Systems has developed laser systems for both dazzling personnel and disrupting sensor systems, including the Laser Dazzle Sight (LDS) for naval applications.
A major developer of directed energy weapons. Raytheon has developed various non-lethal laser devices for applications such as checkpoint security and perimeter defense that use dazzling effects to warn or suppress threats.
An Israeli defense electronics company specializing in electro-optics and laser systems. Elbit develops Directed Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) and other laser-based systems with capabilities that include dazzling enemy sensors.
A technology company specializing in directed energy and C-UAS systems. BlueHalo develops laser weapon systems capable of dazzling the optical sensors on unmanned aerial systems (drones) as a non-lethal countermeasure.