U.S. laser zaps mortar shell in field test 

TUCSON, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Major U.S. defense contractor Raytheon announced Tuesday it had successfully tested a system that uses a quick-draw laser to protect U.S. ground troops against mortar shells and small rockets.

The Laser Area Defense System (LADS) builds on the proven Phalanx weapons system to instantly lock on to an incoming threat and knock it out of the sky with a prototype solid-state laser powered by a commercial generator or even juice from standard grid electricity.

The system would make it possible to better protect U.S. bases and outposts against attacks by mortars and light infantry rockets.  ...

OK, now for my next wish; About that time machine: Set if for Kontum, 17 May 1972.  Anything that can knock down mortar shells can knock down 122mm rockets.

Contributed by Bill Faith on January 15, 2007 at 11:18 AM in Bill Faith, The American Warrior | Permalink

Comments

Posted by: Laurie

Go Laser ;)

Posted by: Laurie | Jan 19, 2007 5:07:29 PM

Posted by: Michael

What I want to know is that if they are using the Phalanx system, why not save all the big bucks and use the 30mm cannon that the Phalanx uses on every Navy ship? Thats ready NOW!

Posted by: Michael | Jan 20, 2007 9:56:17 AM