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Dawn of the Airborne Laser

Posted by michael on from the nothing-faster-than-a-laser dept.

Yonzie writes "As you may have heard, there are a number of competing franchises working on a functional laser weapon. Popular Science has an interesting story about `The Wall of Fire', an airborne laser designed to fit in the belly of a 747. Apparently, this is powerful and precise enough to destroy enemy intercontinental and intermediate-range missiles in mid-flight. I can imagine the use of laser turrets as protection against missiles, but I really can't see the use of a laser mounted in a 747. IMHO, it's way too slow compared to the missiles, and will not be able to scramble fast enough." This is the big daddy of the JSF laser that we've mentioned before.

4 of 493 comments (clear)

  1. Obligatory Austin Powers quote by Soulfader · · Score: 5, Funny
    Dr. Evil: "Relase the sharks! Mr. Powers, you'll notice that all the sharks have laser beams attached to their heads. I figure every creature deserves a warm meal.."

    Number 2: "*ahem* Dr. Evil, it's about the sharks. When you froze them, they were put on the endangered species list. We tried to get some, but it would have taken months to clear up the red tape."

    Dr. Evil: "You know, I have one simple request - and that is, to have sharks with frikkin' laser beams attached to their heads! Now evidently my cycloptic collegue informs me that that can't be done. Can you remind me what I pay you people for? Honestly, throw me a bone here. What do we have?

    Number 2: "Sea Bass"

    Dr. Evil: "Riiiiiight..."

    Number 2: "They are mutated sea bass."

    Dr. Evil: "Really? Are they ill-tempered?"

    Number 2: "Absolutely."

    Dr. Evil: "That's a start."

  2. Kent, this is God..... by hudsonhawk · · Score: 5, Funny

    Yes, it looks really ingenious and all, but can I pop popcorn with it from a range of three miles? Hilarity would be bound to ensue!

  3. I know what we should call this... by edashofy · · Score: 4, Funny

    I think we should call the first 747 with a mounted laser off the line "TROGDOR THE BURNINATOR!"

  4. Re:More Pretty Pictures by Sarcazmo · · Score: 4, Funny

    , scanning the horizon for the plumes of rising missiles. Capable of autonomous operation.....

    I can see it now in John Carmack's blog:

    Attempted our first high altitude launch today. Everything was going fine, but then there was this bright purple flash and the rocket just exploded. Suspect the jumper cables we used to connect the battery to the control computer. More details once we look at the flight data we got.