Laser guns are in naval use
 |
Credit: U.S. Navy |
Following several years of research and development, Solid State
Laser (SSL) weapons are now being deployed by the U.S. Navy as a form of
short-range defence. These high-powered beams of directed energy can be fired
at distances of four miles, hitting targets moving at 300 mph (480 km/h). This
exceptionally accurate system can protect against anti-ship missiles, as well
as shooting down drones and other flying vehicles, or it can be used on small
"suicide" boats. It is
actually cheaper than conventional projectiles, with a single shot costing
under $1, compared to the hundreds of thousands of dollars required to fire a
missile. This is extremely useful in a time of budget constraints. The weapons
had been scheduled for deployment in 2016,* but were ready two years earlier than
planned.** In the next decade, they will evolve into
railguns with phenomenal range and power.*
References
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/7898710/Laser-used-to-shoot-down-planes.html
Accessed 20th April 2013.
Navy Leaders Announce Plans for Deploying Cost-Saving Laser Technology, Official Website of the United States Navy:
http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=73234
Accessed 20th April 2013.
http://www.theverge.com/2013/4/8/4197316/navy-laser-weapon-deploying-2014-shoots-down-drone
Accessed 20th April 2013.
Post a Comment