U.S. Navy Deploys Laser Weapon in Persian Gulf

freebeacon.com ^ | November 14, 2014 12:03 pm | Free Beacon Staff

[BenLurkin]

The amphibious transport ship USS Ponce has been patrolling with a prototype 30-kilowatt-classLaser Weapon System since late August, according to officials. The laser is mounted facing the bow, and can be fired in several modes — from a dazzling warning flash to a destructive beam — and can set a drone or small boat on fire.

The Ponce “provides a unique platform” to deploy the new capability “in an operationally relevant region,” Vice Admiral John Miller, the 5th Fleet commander, said in an e-mailed statement. The ship is the 5th Fleet’s primary command and control afloat staging base for operations

[Darksheare]

“prototype 30-kilowatt-class Laser Weapon System “

I waaaant.

[Darksheare]

Support FR
Where else do you get to see images like this:

Posted for no reason at all?

[BenLurkin]

A definite “get off my lawn” item.

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

In before the “Plasma rifle in a 40 watt range” mention.

[Darksheare]

“AUgh! I’m on fire! Aiiiiieeeee!”

Yes.

[Mount Athos]

you’re too late, look at post #1

[ASA Vet]

Video

Sorry you have to watch the ad first.

[Ken522]

I bet that ship is swarming with techreps!

[22202NOVA]

$40M for RDTE? Well worth the investment.

[jttpwalsh]

I’ll be back !

[22202NOVA]

$40M for RDTE? Well worth the investment. And at a buck a shot it’s cheaper tha a lot of rifle ammo.

[Hugin]

[onedoug]

Ain’t there a “Gator Navy” ping list?

[jttpwalsh]

Never noticed that - thanks !

[CapnJack]

“In before the “Plasma rifle in a 40 watt range” mention.”

That’s a “Phased Plasma rifle” mister.

[Toddsterpatriot]

Freakin’ awesome!

[roadcat]

The laser is mounted facing the bow, and can be fired in several modes — from a dazzling warning flash to a destructive beam — and can set a drone or small boat on fire.

Imagine enemy pirates looking through binoculars or scopes at the USS Ponce, just as a dazzling warning flash hits! Aieee! My eyes! 30 kilowatts worth of dazzle!