Thanks for posting. I always follow drone stories (see my tag line).
From the “source” of the MSN story:
http://www.theverge.com/2012/12/23/3794814/rheinmetall-50kw-laser-weapon
This isn’t the first time that the company has demonstrated a turret-mounted laser weapon. Last year, a 10 kW version performed similar feats, and Rheinmetall says that it plans to produce a device capable of 100 kW output in the immediate future. Still, it faces competition from rivals in the space — as far back as 2010, US firm Raytheon demonstrated a 50 kW weapon with comparable capabilities, including the ability to shoot down a drone from a moving warship.
“Anti-aircraft laser unveiled at Farnborough Airshow” (video of shoot UAV shoot down) 2010
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-10682693
“US firm Raytheon has unveiled its anti-aircraft laser at the Farnborough Airshow in Hampshire.
“The Laser Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) can either be used on its own or alongside a gunnery system.
“In May, the laser was used to shoot down unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in a series of tests.
“Raytheon said the solid state fibre laser produces a 50 kilowatt beam and can be used against UAV, mortar, rockets and small surface ships.”
“’We’ve tied this into Phalanx, the US Navy’s anti-missile defence system that links a multiple barrelled 20mm Gatling gun to a radar guidance mechanism.’”
Northrop demonstrated shooting down artillery/mortar rounds several years ago.
Good to see people catching up.