Military Laser Hits Battlefield Strength

Lasers have hit battlefield strength for the first time -- paving the way for energy weapons. In recent tests, researchers got 105kW of power out of a laser -- past the 100kW threshold for 'weapons grade' lasers. The field-strength breakthrough is part of a push to finally make laser weapons a reality for war. Boeing has a $36 million contract for a laser-equipped truck. Raytheon is test-firing a zapper of its own. Darpa is funding a 150 kilowatt laser to be fitted onto "tactical aircraft."

Source:
blog.wired.com...

This is the newest addition to a growing arsenal of battlefield strength laser weapons.

In addition to the “Airborne Tactical Laser,” now in place, and the “ZEUS” mobile anti-mortar laser, used often in Iraq, now come “Avenger” and “Centurion” versions of laser weapons almost ready for deployment.

Most in use are operating at or below 50 kilowatts of energy. The “battlefield strength” weapon is considered to be 100kW or above, and must be reasonably mobile to be effective and defensible.

These new weapons are just that.

A laser-rifle for the Army is also in the works.

Additional reports:
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