Gunner 69 Posted September 16, 2014 Report Share Posted September 16, 2014 I guess, the next thing will be some thing called...Millenium Falcon?! http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/lockheeds-new-laser-super-turret-could-change-air-comba-1635210849/1635236444/+travis Link to post Share on other sites
allardjd 1,853 Posted September 16, 2014 Report Share Posted September 16, 2014 This is important basic research on the aiming technology, but they've got some serious power problems to solve before an airborne laser weapon is going to make its appearance in any smallish (fighter sized) airframe. They have a ground based one now that's able to take down drones at a few kilometers - it's in a pretty big truck. I expect to see ground-based laser air defense weapons (directed energy AAA) in broad use before airborne lasers make any operational appearance. John Link to post Share on other sites
Captain Coffee 2,030 Posted September 16, 2014 Report Share Posted September 16, 2014 I find it interesting that they are applying an Astronomy focusing technique of adaptive optics to the problem. It highlights the importance of basic research...you just never know what solutions from one discipline could be used to solve problems in other fields...the more you know, the more you can apply to a problem. Link to post Share on other sites
Corsaire31 419 Posted September 16, 2014 Report Share Posted September 16, 2014 Not really sure that developping new weapons is a progress for mankind... Link to post Share on other sites
britfrog 180 Posted September 17, 2014 Report Share Posted September 17, 2014 Not really sure that developping new weapons is a progress for mankind... I agree, however it has to be a lot better for mankind than using shells with depleted uranium Link to post Share on other sites
Corsaire31 419 Posted September 17, 2014 Report Share Posted September 17, 2014 Not really sure that developping new weapons is a progress for mankind... I agree, however it has to be a lot better for mankind than using shells with depleted uranium You are absolutely right, except that the use of new weapons doens't necessarly mean we're going to stop using the good old ones. I am nevertheless very confident in the ability of human beings to find ways to shorten their already very short presence on this planet ! Which, overall, could be seen as rather good news for the said planet. Link to post Share on other sites
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