PERSIAN GULF - The U.S. Navy has successfully deployed its new defensive laser weapon aboard the USS Ponce in the Arabian Gulf. That’s right. Lasers. It might not have anything to do with produce, but the Navy’s latest protective system is something that must be seen.
Drones? Check. Helicopters? Check. Small patrol boats? Most definitely. Just watch how the laser completely obliterates its targets in this dramatic one minute video:
“Laser weapons are powerful, affordable, and will play a vital role in the future of naval combat operations,” said Rear Admiral Matthew L. Klunder, Chief of Naval Research, according to CNN. “We ran this particular weapon, a prototype, through some extremely tough paces, and it locked on and destroyed the targets we designated with near-instantaneous lethality.”
Using a video game-like controller, a single sailor can operate and fire the laser at less than a dollar per shot. The Navy claims that the weapon can perform even in high winds, humidity, and temperature. First rail guns and now lasers?! The Navy gets all the cool toys.
The laser system, dubbed LaWS, has continued to see positive results, according to a press release from the U.S. Navy. CNN reports that the Navy hopes to deploy variations of the laser weapon system in the fleet by 2020. If only they could find a way to strap it onto a shark…
Now all we need are X-Wings and Pod Racers from Star Wars and my childhood fantasies will be complete.
