The following post is reprinted with permission from ANM News.
On Wednesday the Navy released video of their laser weapon system (LaWS). It was the first time it had been aboard a naval vessel, and it is reported to have ‘performed flawlessly.’
Chief of naval research, Rear Adm. Matthew L. Klunder said:
“Laser weapons are powerful, affordable and will play a vital role in the future of naval combat operations. We ran this particular weapon, a prototype, through some extremely tough paces, and it locked on and destroyed the targets we designated with near-instantaneous lethality.”
Among the targets that were destroyed was a Scan Eagle unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a target mounted on a small speeding boat, and other moving targets.
And, it does it at minimal costs. It is reported as cheaper to build and operate than traditional weapons systems.
Rear Adm. Klunder said:
“At less than a dollar per shot, there’s no question about the value LaWS provides. With affordability a serious concern for our defense budgets, this will more effectively manage resources to ensure our Sailors and Marines are never in a fair fight.”
