Navy successfully tests prototype ocean-going laser weapon

[Halb]

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/US/04/14/laser.weapon/...
Similar to the story of the laser destroying the drone last year?
Maybe it will become a commonplace weapon in the next 10 years.

[Eric Mc]

Halb said:

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/US/04/14/laser.weapon/...
Similar to the story of the laser destroying the drone last year?
Maybe it will become a commonplace weapon in the next 10 years.

Similar to the laser destroying the drone in 1982?

[davepoth]

It took about a minute to set fire to a bit of plastic. An RPG would be a bit easier.

[tank slapper]

I think the difference is that this is a practical device. Advances in semiconductors have allowed powerful lasers that don't require tanks of chemicals and all the associated problems.

[Ozzie Osmond]

tank slapper said:

I think the difference is that this is a practical device.

I remain unconvinced.

Target detects laser and fires a rocket back up the laser beam - you explode before your target gets hot!

[Shaw Tarse]

What if the target has a mirror?

[davepoth]

Shaw Tarse said:

What if the target has a mirror?

Or just polishes their ship a lot? It may not stop the beam, but it will probably reduce the effectiveness a lot.

Chrome vinyl wraps for the Navy anyone?

[Halb]

Eric Mc said:

Similar to the laser destroying the drone in 1982?

No, last year.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Shaw Tarse said:

What if the target has a mirror?

That question seems familiar...

[Eric Mc]

Halb said:

Eric Mc said:

Similar to the laser destroying the drone in 1982?

No, last year.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Shaw Tarse said:

What if the target has a mirror?

That question seems familiar...

I was being a bit facetious. There is footage of a small drone aircraft being knocked down by a laser which was shown on a Horizon programme back in 1982/83.

[tinman0]

Ozzie Osmond said:

tank slapper said:

I think the difference is that this is a practical device.

I remain unconvinced.

Target detects laser and fires a rocket back up the laser beam - you explode before your target gets hot!

Yes...because the Navy has never considered surface to surface rockets...

[BruceV8]

Is it more effective than a Muslamic Ray Gun?

[Halb]

Eric Mc said:

I was being a bit facetious. There is footage of a small drone aircraft being knocked down by a laser which was shown on a Horizon programme back in 1982/83.

I kind of guessed you were, but I didn't know the reference;)

[jmorgan]

What are the instructions? Ask naughty people to be awfully nice and stop moving.....

[Eric Mc]

"You wouldn't awfully mind if you could just stand still in my cross hairs for a few minutes?"


The type of weapon Sgt Wilson would use.

[Defcon5]

The fact it can accurately track the target from a mile away whilst in choppy seas is quite remarkable IMO.

[tinman0]

jmorgan said:

What are the instructions? Ask naughty people to be awfully nice and stop moving.....

You know that boat bobbing up and down in the video? It's moving. HTH.

[Negative Creep]

Now all they need to do is fit it to a shark for the ultimate weapon

[Puggit]

davepoth said:

Shaw Tarse said:

What if the target has a mirror?

Or just polishes their ship a lot? It may not stop the beam, but it will probably reduce the effectiveness a lot.

Chrome vinyl wraps for the Navy anyone?

But then it will be obvious to radar

[joe_90]

cover boat in mirrors..

[Brighton Derly]

Or asbestos.