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US Congress Funds Laser Weapons

An anonymous reader writes "The Washington Post reports that the US Congress is funding laser weapons for use in the near future. Low-power lasers called 'dazzlers' are already being used in Iraq to temporarily reduce a person's vision. High-power laser weapons would allow precision attacks that minimize civilian casualties. From the Post: 'The science board said tactical laser systems could be developed for broader use because they "enable precision ground attack to minimize collateral damage in urban conflicts." The report suggested, for example, that "future gunships could provide extended precision lethality and sensing." The board also proposed using lasers to protect against rockets, artillery, mortars and unmanned airborne vehicles by blasting them out of the sky. Last month, the Army awarded Boeing $36 million to continue development of a high-energy laser mounted on a truck that could hit overhead targets. But deployment is not expected until 2016, even if all goes well.'"

3 of 423 comments (clear)

  1. Cue Shark Jokes in 3 2 1 by Archangel+Michael · · Score: 4, Funny

    All shark jokes go here!

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    Agent K: A *person* is smart. People are dumb, stupid, panicky animals, and you know it.
  2. Cartoon battlefield by Recovering+Hater · · Score: 5, Funny

    Come on, you know the battlefields of the future are going to look like a 1980's G.I. Joe cartoon. Hilarious. Wait... Not really hilarious...

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    My humor is probably your flamebait
    1. Re:Cartoon battlefield by sharkey · · Score: 4, Funny

      No, the battles of the future will be fought in space, or possibly at the top of very tall mountains, by robots.

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      "Outlook not so good." That magic 8-ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next.