USAF Readies Laser of Death

An anonymous reader submits: "From the SkyNet Terminator Death Beam Dept...The London Telegraph is carrying this article about U.S. military plans to outfit AC-130 Spectre gunships with a chemical oxygen iodine laser (COIL) which can be used against personnel and materiel for lethal and nonlethal missions."

Comments

Well, I think this is very civilized

[ccmay]

Look for the usual lefty thumb-suckers to slam the big bad American meanies for developing Darth Vader technology. However, this machine is as unlike the Death Star as it is possible to be. The Death Star was about collective punishment, destroying whole planets. This device will let us single out particular bad guys who need killing, without all the collateral damage. I'm entirely supportive of this effort.

-ccm

Re:MIrrors?

[talonyx]

I think a layer of highly-reflective sequins on top of a conventional set of battle armor would be best.

After all, this weapon IS going to be used against soldiers, the majority of whom have gotten used to having their asses raped by fellow soldiers.

If they're going to be fabulous, let them dress the part!

Re:Assasin

[t_allardyce]

This comment has been removed since it was clearly in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 871 (Threats Against The President) and / or Section 875 (Interstate Communications: Extortions / Threats). You can Read More Here. We're sorry to have to do this, and while we don't necessarily agree with this, it is still the law. When the Secret Service gets involved, we don't have many options. We appreciate your understanding in the matter. Please call (202) 406-5000 if you have any questions.

Re:Assasin

[SuiteSisterMary]

Actually, the good thing about laser weaponry would probably be a) no ballistics and b) no physical evidence on the victim or the killer. Gunpower weapons leave marks that indicate distance of the shot, as well as putting powder marks on the shooter. A laser, though, well, all you could guess was a power/distance ratio. I'll also point out that most rifles kill through hyperkinetic shock, not by the damage the actual bullet does. A laser shot would pretty much need to hit an instant kill area; brain, spine or heart. Otherwise, you're just burning (possibly self-cauterizing) holes through people.