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Anti-Missile Laser Weapon Successfully Tested

Posted by timothy on from the how-fair-was-the-test dept.

xPertCodert writes "A latest attempt to build a futuristic laser weapon appears to be a success. Joint Israeli-US developed laser destroyed a large caliber rocket in a latest New Mexico test. The press release also contains links to some interesting video and photo material, related to THEL (Tactical High Energy Lasers) defense systems."

7 of 636 comments (clear)

  1. General question... by boomgopher · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Why do peace-types protest defense systems like this so much?
    I've never understood the logic. Defensive weaponry helps reduce the threat of war.


    --
    Your hybrid is not saving the environment. Its purpose is to make you feel good about buying something.
    1. Re:General question... by ReTay · · Score: 4, Insightful

      "So a U.S.-Isreal team develops. Now. someone will develop energy absorbing /reflecting /deflecting/whatever missiles."

      Right.... I don't know I personally would like to have the most updated hardware I can if I have to go into battle. You can carry sticks and stones if you want I want the most deadly equipment and as much of it as I can carry.

      And to your second point.
      No amount of money will help religious fever.
      Remember anyone who tells you that tying a bomb to your chest and blowing up civilians will get you attended in the next world by a pack of virgins and they will give lots of money to your family is..

      A Not your friend
      B Probably lying on at least one count
      C Certifiable
      D Someone who is always happy to sacrifice someone
      else

      I don't know just my two bits

    2. Re:General question... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

      "Airplanes can barely keep themselves in the air. How can they then carry any kind of load?"
      - William Pickering, Astronomer (1908)

      "Airplanes suffers from so many technical faults that it is only a matter of time before any reasonable man realizes that they are useless!"
      - Scientific American (1910)

      "No flying machine will ever fly from New York to Paris."
      - Orville Wright.

      "Airplanes are interesting toys but of no military value."
      - Marshal Ferdinand Foch [Professor of Strategy, Ecole Superieure de Guerre] (circa 1911)
      He was Supreme Commander of Allied forces, 1918

      "Aviation is good for sport, but for the Army it is useless!"
      - Marshal Ferdinand Foch

    3. Re:General question... by Obyron · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Most scholars of history agree that the arms race you warn about was what brought about the end of the Soviet Union and the Cold War. The United States is the richest country in the world, and it's got more than its fair share of brilliant minds.

      We develop a laser that can shoot down ICBMs. In response potentially hostile nations (PHNs) begin spending money like a housewife on holiday to develop a weapon that (they hope) can penetrate the defense... Maybe... in the event of a war that may not happen. In the end game we've still got a laser capable of shooting down artillery, cruise missiles, and (I've not seen anyone else mention this yet) enemy aircraft. What do the PHNs have? Debt in the billions-to-trillions of dollars range that they probably can't afford that will play its part in collapsing their economy.

      The best weapons platform you'll ever develop is the one that scares your enemy so much he spends himself into oblivion to counteract it. At the end of the day he's gone, and you haven't really had to do anything. It worked for Reagan with Star Wars, and by the sound of things it might just work again.

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      --Obyron
  2. Re:wow by delong · · Score: 4, Insightful

    It isn't. Neither is an F-16, does that mean an F-16 is worthless? The weapon isn't meant to counter car bombers, obviously.

    This is a tactical battlefield weapon meant for force protection. The article concerns the mobile THEL laser.

    The larger, immobile THEL theoretically will be able to shoot down *mortar shells*. It has already been tested to successfully shoot down Katyushka small caliber rockets. These are revolutionary weapons systems.

  3. Re:Domestic Use Soon? by delong · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I wonder how long until these will be deployed domestically, around various government buildings (such as the White House, the US Capitol, or the Pentagon).

    It won't. This isn't a "missile defense system" per se, it is a tactical battefield weapon designed for force protection. To be used to defend troops and installations against short range tactical weapons like rockets, mortars, cruise missiles, etc. Not of much use in the continental US.

    However, these lasers, and especially the larger, immobile THEL version, are perfect for Israel. Israeli communities and the IDF are constantly being harrassed by hit and run Katushka rocket, mortar, and guided missile threats from HAMAS and other Pal terrorists in the Territories, and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

  4. Read the article by ksheff · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This is a tactical defensive weapon for use on a battlefield, not strategic defense. This is a mobile system meant to protect against small rockets like Katyusha class weapons. To understand why Israel is involved, you only have to look at the map on this page.

    They would also be useful in defending targets against rocket attacks like the ones that have occurred in Iraq.
    --
    the good ground has been paved over by suicidal maniacs