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I have not heard that. Aegis systems work by using two radar systems. One locks on the target and one on the ammunition. The system fires test rounds and if the two meet the system fully opens up. When they were testing it they found it very difficult because the targets they were using blew up before the system could fully open up. They eventually solved the issue. An old co-worker of mine worked on the project.

-SB

I think you are thinking of the CIWS (close in weapon system) vs the Aegis.

The Aegis is a phased array radar that provides both search and guidance, while mainly focused on air tracking and defense, it has demonstrated the ability to track and guide boosted Surface to Air missles to destroy satellites. On cruisers and destroyers.

CIWS is a self-contained unit that fires depleted uranium rounds from a multi-barreled gun with it’s own radar and auto tracking. On my FFG the helo guys hated it when they landed because depending on the configuration it was set on (I recall 3-4 ranging from completely off to completely full auto track and fire but it’s been 30 years) it would track them as they approached. On pretty much everything these days.

I have not heard that. Aegis systems work by using two radar systems. One locks on the target and one on the ammunition. The system fires test rounds and if the two meet the system fully opens up. When they were testing it they found it very difficult because the targets they were using blew up before the system could fully open up. They eventually solved the issue. An old co-worker of mine worked on the project.

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Interesting. Maybe that explains more about Iran Air Flight 655, a scheduled passenger flight that was shot down in 1988 by two SM-2MR surface-to-air missiles fired by the USS Vincennes (early version of Aegis system).

In that case, the crew did have time to override the Fire command but chose not to. In the present day of hypersonics, humans are just too slow to participate at all in the decision.

The A.I.-controlled Directed-Beam weapon (e.g., laser) has been discussed in Press Releases of at least one R&D defense contractor: Kratos (NASDAQ: KTOS).

KTOS also participates in an Air Force program called (believe it or not): "Skyborg." Skyborg is about using dozens (at least) of jet-powered fighter drones to accompany a single F-35s into combat zones, extending sensor range dramatically while protecting the valuable F-35 and the human pilot from direct engagement. These drones are VERY cheap compared to the F-35 and can presumably fly circles around them because of no fragile humans aboard to get mauled by G forces.

Note: President Trump is always referring to super weapons we know nothing about.