The "Laser-Blaster" of sci-fi fame is just around the corner

[rodsky]

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The laser as a true weapon, depicted time and time again in science fiction books, magazines and movies, is about to become a reality...

* Pilot Reporter: Bob Martin
* Web Producer: Devon Armijo

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A plane at Kirtland Air Force base has been blasting some targets at White Sands Missile range without bullets or bombs. Instead, the plane employs a laser as its weapon of choice.

The Air Force has just released the video the futuristic weapon at work. This is the first time the weapon was successfully fired at a target with the intent of damaging it. Boeing, who developed the laser, said its precision could someday reduce collateral damage during an attack.

"This milestone demonstrates that directed energy weapon systems will transform the battlespace and save lives by giving war fighters a speed-of-light, ultra-precision engagement capability that will dramatically reduce collateral damage," said Greg Hyslop, vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems.

Read the entire article here:
Air Force, Boeing test laser weapon | KRQE News 13 New Mexico

-RODION

[DonMarc]

Nice!

But the damage being done to the truck at the video suggests that the system is still quite far from those of the non-fiction materials. Mura ra nag-gamit ka ug magnifying glass directed at a dry leaf under the heat of the sun.

[personalmgt]

Like any problem that is hindering technological advancements today: energy, energy and energy. Where can you find one that is inexpensive?

[Spitzer]

I've read about this technology on one of "Photonics Spectra" issue... very challenging endeavour since it requires the purest lens available. The lens heats-up and will be burned if there are imperfections (contaminations) sa material. Grabe ka ngilngig.