[grey_whiskers]

1) Can it outrun a laser? (Forget about the angular velocity of whatever turret is trying to *aim* the laser for the moment...)

2) Can you imagine a bird strike by this thing at terminal velocity?

Cheers!

[HiTech RedNeck]

Trying to get the laser pointed at it would be a daunting task. A bird hit would result in one plasma-ized bird.

[FredZarguna]

You know the old story about the bird cannon the US Air Force sold to the Brits in the 1950’s to test airframe durability against bird strikes? For the benefit of those who have not, after trying to get the cannon to work unsuccessfully for quite a while, the Brits finally sent a letter to the NATO liason saying, “we have been unable to calibrate the cannon. Chickens fired into the air frame make enormous holes at even the lowest muzzle velocity.” The USAF replied, “suggest you defrost the chickens first, there chaps.”

[doorgunner69]

When you have LOS time delay with a laser, the turret slew rate is not of much consequence I'd think. Gear grinding and mechanical vibration throwing off the beam much more of concern, as the laser HAS to have considerable dwell time to heat things up enough to matter.

And of course, what the masses not into the tactical details ignore, is the issue of being hit with a Mach+ face full of missile debris like a shotgun blast is not a desirable end game. But that is what happens if the wonder defensive weapon works as advertised...........