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US Navy Plans to Deploy Laser Weapon

posted by Dopefish on Wednesday February 19 2014, @10:30AM   Printer-friendly
from the shoop-da-woop dept.

Sir Garlon writes:

"According to the Associated Press, the US Navy has announced plans to actually deploy an operational laser weapon aboard the USS Ponce later this year.

The solid-state laser weapon system is designed to target what the Navy describes as 'asymmetrical threats.' Those include aerial drones, speed boats and swarm boats, all potential threats to warships in the Persian Gulf, where the Ponce, a floating staging base, is set to be deployed.

'It fundamentally changes the way we fight,' said Capt. Mike Ziv, program manager for directed energy and electric weapon systems for the Naval Sea Systems Command."

 
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  • (Score: 1) by shadov on Wednesday February 19 2014, @03:15PM

    by shadov (296) on Wednesday February 19 2014, @03:15PM (#2509)

    Unfortunately, announcing her new capabilities just made her a high-value target.

    Hardly. Firstly, the laser weapon doesn't seem to be that capable compared to other air defense weapons used by the US navy. Its main selling point is that the "ammunition" is dirt cheap. Secondly, there isn't likely much to be gained from sinking Ponce. The navy could just install the weapon on another ship and carry on with the program. It is designed to be easily installed AFAIK, just bolt in to the deck and connect electricity, cooling water, etc.