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Solid-State Laser Weapon
(Image Credit: http://www.cnet.com)
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The US Navy
is considering the deployment of a solid-state laser weapon on the USS Ponce by
2014. Although no details were revealed on the capabilities or the performance
of the laser weapon system, the Navy discussed the benefits of using laser
weapons as a countermeasure against airborne or water-borne threats.
The
deployment of the solid-state laser weapon system will be an at-sea
demonstration, which shows the ongoing effort of the Pentagon in using directed
energy weapons for US Navy ships. The Navy indicated that the Department of
Defense will continue studying the integration of laser weapon systems into the
fleet after the USS Ponce demonstration.
It may be
possible that the demonstration of the solid-state laser system on the USS
Ponce may have another objective. Since the warship will be deployed in the
Persian Gulf, it may be possible that it may give Iran a glimpse of the
capabilities of the US Navy in dealing with threats. The maximum price tag of
the prototype will reportedly be $32 million.
It may even
be used to show Congress that such a weapon system will hardly put a dent on
the budget. The cost-effectiveness of the laser weapon was highlighted by the
Navy when compared to conventional missile systems. According to Rear Admiral
Matthew Klunder, Naval Research Head, conservative data shows that one shot
from the laser weapon will cost under $1. In comparison a missile costs thousands
of dollars each.
A video was
released by the US Navy that showed a demonstration of the capabilities of a
solid-state laser weapon system against a drone.
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