Scarecrow
27 May 2007, 09:46 PM
Seems like they will be there before we know it. First off in defensive capabilities, then I am sure we will see them in the hands of soldiers.
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Raytheon_Tests_New_Laser_Weapon_999.html
Raytheon announced Monday that it had "successfully tested a prototype solid-state laser weapon." The new laser system "combines the proven capabilities of the Phalanx weapon system with the power and effectiveness of lasers to defeat rockets, mortars and missiles at an operationally significant range," the company said.
Raytheon said its prototype solid-state Laser Area Defense System, or LADS, "successfully detonated 60-millimeter mortars at a range greater than 550 yards within the tactical timeline in static ground testing conducted in partnership with the United States government." The company described the tests as "groundbreaking' and said the results had been achieved "in less than six months."
"The LADS demonstration used a proven, existing, off-the-shelf solid-state laser, coupled with commercially available optics technology," Raytheon said. "The goal of the demonstration was to rapidly prove that lasers can yield military utility now by demonstrating that such a system could protect warfighters against mortars."
"Secondary goals of the demonstration were to offer a near-term alternative to chemical lasers, which may create logistics challenges for the warfighter, and to prove that existing optical and targeting components can significantly lower total laser system costs and speed their ultimate transition to the warfighter," the company said.
Raytheon said its solid-state laser technology also ensured that the operation of the LADS was "safe to the environment, does away with the need for caustic chemicals and radically reduces the life-cycle cost."
What is impressive is the following quote where they talk about how the idea became reality in less then 6 months.
"In just six short months, Raytheon and government engineers went from an idea to operational field testing of a solid-state laser system that offers the potential of near-term protection for our troops," said Mike Booen, vice president of Advanced Missile Defense and Directed Energy Weapons at Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Ariz. "Our solid-state LADS proves you don't have to wait another three to five years for solid-state lasers to have military utility on the battlefield. They are ready now, with no chemicals required."
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Raytheon_Tests_New_Laser_Weapon_999.html
Raytheon announced Monday that it had "successfully tested a prototype solid-state laser weapon." The new laser system "combines the proven capabilities of the Phalanx weapon system with the power and effectiveness of lasers to defeat rockets, mortars and missiles at an operationally significant range," the company said.
Raytheon said its prototype solid-state Laser Area Defense System, or LADS, "successfully detonated 60-millimeter mortars at a range greater than 550 yards within the tactical timeline in static ground testing conducted in partnership with the United States government." The company described the tests as "groundbreaking' and said the results had been achieved "in less than six months."
"The LADS demonstration used a proven, existing, off-the-shelf solid-state laser, coupled with commercially available optics technology," Raytheon said. "The goal of the demonstration was to rapidly prove that lasers can yield military utility now by demonstrating that such a system could protect warfighters against mortars."
"Secondary goals of the demonstration were to offer a near-term alternative to chemical lasers, which may create logistics challenges for the warfighter, and to prove that existing optical and targeting components can significantly lower total laser system costs and speed their ultimate transition to the warfighter," the company said.
Raytheon said its solid-state laser technology also ensured that the operation of the LADS was "safe to the environment, does away with the need for caustic chemicals and radically reduces the life-cycle cost."
What is impressive is the following quote where they talk about how the idea became reality in less then 6 months.
"In just six short months, Raytheon and government engineers went from an idea to operational field testing of a solid-state laser system that offers the potential of near-term protection for our troops," said Mike Booen, vice president of Advanced Missile Defense and Directed Energy Weapons at Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Ariz. "Our solid-state LADS proves you don't have to wait another three to five years for solid-state lasers to have military utility on the battlefield. They are ready now, with no chemicals required."