Special Forces Plasma Laser To Shoot Robots

This one is a laser that causes plasma explosions where it hits - each plasma blast releases an intense EMP so powerful that it can affect the nervous system as well as electronics.

It turns out it's not suitable as a non-lethal weapon for corwd control as originally planned (no kidding, wonder what the problem was), now they're using it to target small UAVS.

Are we in the future yet?

blog.wired.com...

Very cool and excellent addition to the weapons forum. I love hearing about the new systems that America is integrating, moving us forward and beyond the rest of the world's militaries. Not to say other countries are not trying like heck to get on our level. "Humvees with fricking laser beams on their heads, sounds...Evil (pinky shoots to corner of mouth."

I know eh, it sounds so evil and awesome at the same time, i'd sure love to see these future weapons in action against the enemy, must make for a wicked battle...

Originally posted by Wembley Special Forces Plasma Laser To Shoot Robots

Just a simple question friend Wembley: Why did you give this thread the above title.

To me, this weapon system is so remote from being a special forces weapon given its apparent size, weight, range etc. that I would have thought it would more than likely be deployed in mechanised infantry brigades.

Nothing special about them!

Would you like to comment? Incidentally, I am not having a 'pop' at you in any way.

I am just trying to understand why you think this system is a special forces weapon.

Good poost tho'.................................

If you read the article, it's being developed by the US Special Forces Command. (It started off with the Jount Nonlethal Weapons Directorate).

Question 2: So why do Special Forces want this big, bulky device?

My guess is that it would be installed in an AC-130, like the Advanced Tactical Laser.

Very interesting technology indeed.. a plasma laser. Kind reminds me of Dr Evil in Austin Powers... with his "Laser". What kind of devastation can they dish out with this bad boy????

Well here's my take...

The 'robots' are no doubt used for military purposes right? You know unmanned drones and i'm pretty sure i saw something about the US army creating robot warriors and stuff.

So a defense against these monstrosities can only be a good thing...

Right?

Screw the robots. I could really use something like this.

It could immobilize pretty much any vehicle on the road. Wouldn't have to worry about whether that sedan running your checkpoint is a carbomb or a drunk guy or a family on the way to the hospital. Point it at the engine bay and short out the ECU. A lot less dangerous for the occupants than trying to put a .50 round through the engine block.

Got an IED? Fry the initiating device. I'm not entirely sure it would work and would depend on what the initiator was, but its worth a shot.

Not to mention that we could completely devastate unshielded enemy commo and command posts should a high intensity conflict break out. Unless they're using Russian equipment that still relies on vaccuum tubes.

All the benefits of an EMP without the pesky atmospheric nuclear detonation or even the conventional warhead of an e-bomb.

Maybe it is being developed as a UAV killer to refine precision targeting. I hope, because a weapon like this would be extremely useful in a lot of situations, as long as its small enough to be mounted on a truck.