The Israelis have a point about the $3,000 of chemicals per shot to shoot down a single mortar round but, it's available, we know it works and our soldiers sure could use the protection, relatively expensive though it is. Hopefully, progress on the solid state laser weapon system will fulfill it's promise as soon as they claim it will and that problem will be solved, but for now, use what we've got!!
But, when're we gettin' our lightsabres??
Sending the White Sands prototype to the Green Zone is so clever that I'm actually *impressed* that the move got approved (considering that the project itself has been killed).
Lets trust that MTHEL proves its worth in defending fixed sites from indirect fire.
I'm all for it if it truley is effective as claimed. How ever.
I wonder if anyone has considered the fact that with such a system operative in the green zone. No low flying choppers could cover our guys SASO in the city of Baghdad, if they quickly where in need of air power. Unless of course they turn of the radar system or disable the laser from being able to automatically track and fire. So after a couple days, of lobing mortars and rockets into the green zone, the goons then would go after our patrols in various parts of the city, now soon as the radar/laser system is turned off to allow help from the air, whamooo, the goons could lob in lots of rockets and mortars at specified sites within the green zone, just as they have done all along. Always seems to be a catch twenty two. Nighty night all. Eyes are bleary.
A fascinating article. The moral dilemma comes down to "what is the monetary value of our soldiers?" Many people are concerned with growing deficits. I don't see this as a realistic military solution in the age of fiscal conservatism.
BTTT!
That's some creative program management. Get your dead prototype in the field, collect some good press and combat exposure, then head back to Redstone to pitch it again, hopefully with a couple of general officers in your pocket.
Notice this story hits the week a certain laser-intense film hits the screens. Yes, this has been well-managed. Whether it's lipstick on the pig or the Next Big Thing remains to be seen.
reminds me of Bosnia. The baddies found out that an upwards pointing microwave with the glass smashed out looks a lot like a radar and would attract some expensive US ordinance.
I'd expect a bottle rocket rash to start up wherever this thing is reported to be deployed.
whats $3000/shot? I think I read that the javelin shoulder fired missile is $100,000/ shot and those are used frequently, arent they?
can anyone confirm the $100,000 javelin price tag?