This changes the battlefield somewhat a lot!

 

http://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/apr/09/us-navy-laser-cannon-planes?CMP=dis_829

 

Any missile can be blown up with this laser.

 

 

Signed,

 

 

Regards

 

Daniel  

Interesting read, and nice to see an economical approach by the USG for a change

 

That is true though about its abilities being affected by weather. I hope it's not foggy and raining when it's most needed!

 

 

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The U.S. has had airborne ASAT and AA weapons for years (B747 mounted and shrinking). This has been in the works for  a long time. Nothing like a speed of light weapon that has no effective countermeasures to thwart it.

The U.S. has had airborne ASAT and AA weapons for years (B747 mounted and shrinking). This has been in the works for  a long time. Nothing like a speed of light weapon that has no effective countermeasures to thwart it.

 

Is the 747 laser operational or is it still in test phase Tom? Yes I have slightly followed this tech over the years but wasn't very excited until I saw it actually being used in operations. Anyhow a big jet like the 747 with a mounted laser can sure shoot down a lot of SAMs! Sam-proof!!!

 

Signed,

 

Regards,

 

Daniel

Is the 747 laser operational or is it still in test phase Tom? Yes I have slightly followed this tech over the years but wasn't very excited until I saw it actually being used in operations. Anyhow a big jet like the 747 with a mounted laser can sure shoot down a lot of SAMs! Sam-proof!!!

 

Signed,

 

Regards,

 

Daniel

 

The YAL project got cancelled in 2011 - budget cuts.

I showed this thread to a USA defence contractor I was at the pub with tonight and he said it has been around since 2003. He also says he has a 'laser' at home that has some grunt behind it as well. Fun to play with. I think I prefer a potato cannon

 

 

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Might suggest there is a way to go yet... the three seconds it appeared to take to have any noticeable effect isn't that useful should there be three or four travelling at supersonic speeds at low level. The system is still ultimately radar horizon limited. Forgive my cynicism, having read about all sorts of wonder weapons over the years that have proved less so in reality.

The U.S. has had airborne ASAT and AA weapons for years (B747 mounted and shrinking). This has been in the works for a long time. Nothing like a speed of light weapon that has no effective countermeasures to thwart it.

Reflective coating (for the right wavelengths), target saturation, stealth (can't shoot if you can't track it), rain/fog (attenuates the laser energy).

It's certainly a cool weapon, but no effective countermeasures might not be wholly accurate.

From what I understand it is some kind of chemical laser but don't fully understand the tech behind it. Pretty cool though

 

 

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Reflective coating (for the right wavelengths), target saturation, stealth (can't shoot if you can't track it), rain/fog (attenuates the laser energy).

It's certainly a cool weapon, but no effective countermeasures might not be wholly accurate.

Yes I've often thought that enemies would just have to chromium plate their missiles and planes to make this sort of weapon fairly ineffective. Military scientists have been slavering for Buck Rogers ray-gun technology since the year dot, but I'm guessing explosives and kinetic weapons are going to be around for a very long time yet.

 

EDIT: "...will be installed aboard the USS Ponce."  Is there really a ship with that name?? :lol:

Just remember, this is only the unclassified stuff!

Good point -- I know there may or may not be a handful of members here at AVSIM that may or may not be holding their tongue on this subject :lol:

And now more money goes to weather control R&D around the world.

EDIT: "...will be installed aboard the USS Ponce." Is there really a ship with that name?? :lol:

Yes, it's a city in San Juan. I guess thst begs the question of is there really a city named Ponce? Yes, I guess there is. Named after some ancient explorer named Ponce de Leon. I guess that begs the ultimate question of is there a mother that named her child Ponce?

This changes the battlefield somewhat a lot!

 

http://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/apr/09/us-navy-laser-cannon-planes?CMP=dis_829

 

Any missile can be blown up with this laser.

 

 

Signed,

 

 

Regards

 

Daniel

No, this particular weapon is only meant for use as a less than lethal to lethal weapon against small drone aircraft and small boats.