The White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico is testing a new "laser beam."
The new laser, known as the Laser Centurion Demonstrator, combines radar and
threat-detection technology and is designed to replace the 20mm cannon used for air and
missile defense on Navy ships, and for similar threats by the Army.
"Directed energy is getting more and more prevalent in weapon systems,"
said Col. Bruce Lewis, White Sands Test Center commander.
Initial testing has shown the laser system is able to burn through heavy armor plating, and defense officials hope to use this power to shoot down aerial targets without having to worry about shells falling back down to earth, as in the case of 20mm rounds.
"We are excited to be testing system capabilities by shooting down
mortar rounds in the coming weeks," said Sal Rodriguez, senior flight
test engineer with the Naval Surface Warfare Center.
Because of its portability and various power settings, the new laser may be used against small surface targets, as in the case of peacekeeping and anti-piracy missions. And the solid-state laser that can run off any powerful electricity source, instead of relying on chemical reactions, as used to be the case.
"It's like the difference between an electric car and a gas-burning
car... this is a very green system," said Dan McMaster, a program
manager from Raytheon.
Well, not quite. The eco-sensitivity of the weapon system depends on the source of its power. Draw energy from the sun to bring down mortars and then we'll be impressed Mr. McMaster.
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