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2007-01-30 Science & Technology

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Posted by Jackal 2007-01-30 07:22|| || Front Page|| [5 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 This should really have a headline to the effect of "US to test new version of airborne laser: more powerful, and much lighter."

They made an enormous jump in technology with the solid state laser. So good that it instantly made the current laser 747s obsolete. One of those instances where the Pentagon is entirely happy to spend the extra big bucks for an upgrade.

Posted by Anonymoose 2007-01-30 08:53|| 2007-01-30 08:53|| Front Page Top

#2 Would this device also make a great off-shore airborne artillery piece? Imagine a massive explosion at a Pyongyang (or Tehran) electrical generating plant, triggered by one of these babies from few hundred miles away. Talk about plausible deniability.

Posted by Anguper Hupomosing9418 2007-01-30 09:15|| 2007-01-30 09:15|| Front Page Top

#3 Musn't forget Qom! There's a well there that needs a good toasting.

Posted by Excalibur 2007-01-30 12:37|| 2007-01-30 12:37|| Front Page Top

#4 the ABL will fire its two solid-state illuminator lasers at the NC-135E Big Crow test aircraft

Piloted by black aces

Posted by Shipman 2007-01-30 16:20|| 2007-01-30 16:20|| Front Page Top

#5 ABL still a (corrosive) chemical laser. Solid state lasers are not yet at megawatt power levels. The LADS (solid state laser on a Phalanx chassis) is only a 10kW diode laser array and work is being done on a 100kW diode laser.

Posted by ed 2007-01-30 17:06|| 2007-01-30 17:06|| Front Page Top

#6 Cool. A 747 with frickin' laser beams on its head!

Posted by SteveS 2007-01-30 18:08|| 2007-01-30 18:08|| Front Page Top

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