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Weapons Grade Laser

Cool.

From the week gone by on the directed-energy weapons front: defense contractor Northrop Grumman reported that it got a solid-state laser to fire a beam with a potency of 105.5 kilowatts.

For the ray-gun wing of the military-industrial complex, the 100-kilowatt threshold is a major milestone, marking the entry point to weapons-grade laser weapons. Adding to the appeal is that solid-state lasers are much more compact, and less noxious, than chemical laser systems such as the one in the works for the 747-centric Airborne Laser.

Posted by Owen at 1938 hrs
Military + Technology

1. How long until I can buy a fully functional Light Sabre?

   Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on March 22, 2009 at 2033 hrs
   
   
   

2. More than likely, a light saber would have to be some form of plasma rather than a laser.  Controlling the heat would be an issue.

   Posted by Owen on March 22, 2009 at 2038 hrs
   
   
   

3. More important question: when does laser season start?

   Posted by Aaron on March 22, 2009 at 2154 hrs
   
   
   

4. Democrats are even now writing legislation to ban lasers that have pistol grips, bayonet lugs and are painted the wrong color.

   Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on March 23, 2009 at 0424 hrs
   
   
   

5. That’s great, but can we get that on a shark’s friggin’ head?

   Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on March 23, 2009 at 1048 hrs
   
   
   

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