Jump to content
Join the Unexplained Mysteries community today! It's free and setting up an account only takes a moment.
- Sign In or Create Account -

US Navy Bought Its First Big Laser Cannon


Unusual Tournament

Recommended Posts

US Navy Bought Its First Big Laser Cannon

In late January, the US Navy dropped $150 million on a pair of new laser cannons. One of the so-called "High Energy Lasers," built by Lockheed Martin, is destined for testing on land.

The other is going to sea aboard an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer as early as 2020, potentially making it the world's first large, war-ready "directed-energy" weapon.

Lockheed's laser reportedly draws as much as 150 kilowatts of power per shot—enough to fry boats and unmanned aerial vehicles. Upgrading the laser to 300 kilowatts, thus boosting its range and power, could allow it to also destroy fast-moving, incoming missiles before they can strike their targets.

 
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 
1 hour ago, Captain Risky said:

US Navy Bought Its First Big Laser Cannon

In late January, the US Navy dropped $150 million on a pair of new laser cannons. One of the so-called "High Energy Lasers," built by Lockheed Martin, is destined for testing on land.

The other is going to sea aboard an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer as early as 2020, potentially making it the world's first large, war-ready "directed-energy" weapon.

Lockheed's laser reportedly draws as much as 150 kilowatts of power per shot—enough to fry boats and unmanned aerial vehicles. Upgrading the laser to 300 kilowatts, thus boosting its range and power, could allow it to also destroy fast-moving, incoming missiles before they can strike their targets.

 

Glad they finally made into Toshi Station for those power converters.......

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For missile defense this could be very reliable and efficient solution. Especially because things like Zircon are almost there. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Railguns, laser cannons......  What's this world coming to?  In a wartime situation what are the poor surgeons going to be doing if they have nothing left to work on?

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, Black Red Devil said:

Railguns, laser cannons......  What's this world coming to?  In a wartime situation what are the poor surgeons going to be doing if they have nothing left to work on?

identifying the pieces. 

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 18/02/2018 at 5:52 AM, South Alabam said:

21st century stuff there.

Some Royal Navy ships used laser weapons during the Falklands War in 1982.

Edited by Black Monk
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, Black Monk said:

Some Royal Navy ships used laser weapons during the Falklands War in 1982.

I'm just saying this is the future of weaponry. They want to put lasers on AC-130 gun ships too. I didn't mean to imply lasers were totally new.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That just doesn't sound like a good idea.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, Black Monk said:

Some Royal Navy ships used laser weapons during the Falklands War in 1982.

Only one ship was fitted with it, and it was never used. Hardly an advertisement for the technology :D 

Mind you, that WAS 30 years ago. 

Hmmm... would they work in heavy rain ? Or fog ? 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Give it about eight years before they decide that it doesn't actually work, having wasted approximately 200 billion dollars. That's about routine for most new weapons projects.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 
On 2/24/2018 at 9:47 AM, South Alabam said:

I'm just saying this is the future of weaponry. They want to put lasers on AC-130 gun ships too. I didn't mean to imply lasers were totally new.

They had targeting lasers on them for a long time. Looks like a big red beam. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.