The prototype weapon is an improved version of the Laser Weapon System (LaWS) pictured here aboard the USS Dewey in 2012. Source: John F. Williams/U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy Deploys Its First Laser Weapon in the Persian Gulf -- Bloomberg
The U.S. Navy has deployed on a command ship in the Persian Gulf its first laser weapon capable of destroying a target.
The amphibious transport ship USS Ponce has been patrolling with a prototype 30-kilowatt-class Laser Weapon System since late August, according to officials. The laser is mounted facing the bow, and can be fired in several modes -- from a dazzling warning flash to a destructive beam -- and can set a drone or small boat on fire.
The Ponce “provides a unique platform” to deploy the new capability “in an operationally relevant region,” Vice Admiral John Miller, the 5th Fleet commander, said in an e-mailed statement. The ship is the 5th Fleet’s primary command and control afloat staging base for operations
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Update #1: U.S. Navy Deploys Laser Weapon in Persian Gulf -- Washington Free Beacon
Update #2: US Navy deploys laser weapon to Persian Gulf for first-ever combat mission -- RT
My Comment: This was believed to be impossible only a decade or two ago .... and now it is a reality.
3 comments:
Thirty KILOWATTS?
Take that Terminator! Sure blows away his phased plasma rifle in the forty WATT range. Bwaahahahaha!
(Seriously, this is freakin' cool - can't wait to see what the next-gen ships mount, with dedicated electrical generation plants)
Orion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b07-yKnKRMQ
A Year back The US DoD has revealed that its Laser Weapons System (LAWS) has successfully demonstrated its ability to down small aircraft during testing ... The laser weapon shot down a drone during testing by igniting it, sending it crashing down to earth just moments after engaging it and Now happy to see it on USS Ponce .... a new laser era begins
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