(U.S.) Navy Shows Off Powerful New Laser Weapon

Originally posted by centurion1211

Originally posted by Dimitri Dzengalshlevi

The Soviets had this technology in the 60s, on mobile platforms. They also had many claims to deploying these weapons in space (and did have experimental ASAT lasers).

Pictures of the so-called soviet "mobile laser" have been posted on ATS before.

All it consisted of were "blinding lasers" mounted on a tank chassis that were meant to blind opposing soldiers, not something that could actually kill another tank, or shoot down aircraft, missiles and mortar shells.

You're knowledge of Soviet lasers seems to be lacking.

Here's a basic article that you should brief if you are interested in laser weaponry. Near the bottom you'll see some description of the Soviet systems.

Mobile HEL GDL (these were deployed for experimental purposes around late 60s, early 70s)


Mobile HEL GDL demonstration (test involving shoot-down of a drone)


Almaz/Beriev A-60 airbourne HEL (first built in 1981, second in 1991)


Close up of optics

Not to take away from the future effectiveness of military laser tech, but I have to say that the video of the little 'bobbing, weaving' boat is a little disappointing.

First, it was hardly moving at all and almost dead in the water. Certainly the wave action had it bobbing, but how good is the tracking system to keep that target fixed at small, fast, low profile attack boats?

reply to post by masqua


I suppose they could mount it on something similar to the Phalanx guns?