Zap! Air Force eyes Star Wars-style lasers

Scripps Howard News Service ^ | June 24, 2003 | SUE VORENBERG

[amused]

I knew it!

The Admin Moderator has been testing these weapons for over a year....

[godlovesrepublicans]

A new high energy laser weapon and F-16 flight simulator, designed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Theater Aerospace Command Control Simulation Facility at Kirtland Air Force Base, will let pilots test technology that could put the United States far ahead of its enemies.

Thank God that George Bush is our president now. If Clinton was still in office I'm sure all the Chinese had to do to get this technology is to ask for it.

[VRWCmember]

If Clinton was still in office I'm sure all the Chinese had to do to get this technology is to ask for it.

No, they would have to funnel some money into hillary's election campaign.

[dandelion]

Yay!! My USAF daughter will be SOOOOO cooled out to have these fun toys fall into the paws of eager Zoomies. And to think, her uncle wanted her to be a Marine... ;)

[7 x 77]

There have been a continual flow of these article about the U.S. developing super weapons. I think we must be sending signals to the other countries.

[Onelifetogive]

Star Wars style lasers

I think this is a VERY BAD idea!

Our fighters can fire missles that precisely take out targets many, many miles away. In Star Wars, they can't even hit another spaceship right in front of them with their lasers.

[DannyTN]

"The laser is also a much more cost-effective weapon versus firing a missile that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. Firing the laser will likely only cost a couple hundred dollars."

Only a couple of hundred dollars. Excellent. Put these babies into mass production as quick as possible.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

OFFICIAL BUMP(TOPIC)LIST

[7 x 77]

Our fighters can fire missles that precisely take out targets many, many miles away. In Star Wars, they can't even hit another spaceship right in front of them with their lasers.

These Air Force generals aren't stupid, ignorant, masochists. If the weapon is not likely to be better than missles they'll stop developing it.

[Tallguy]

If the weapon is not likely to be better than missles they'll stop developing it.

Sounds like a replacement for the auto-cannon; possibly the Sidewinder in some types of egagements.

[hchutch]

Man, I almost feel sorry for anyone who decides to mess with the good ol' USA...

[Frank_Discussion]

We need more Wamprats.

[VRWCmember]

In Star Wars, they can't even hit another spaceship right in front of them with their lasers.

They can if they trust the Force.

[xrp]

It could be ready for use in 2012

Whew! Just in time to defeat the aliens that will be returning in December, 2012 -- the end of the Mayan calendar's current cycle --

[DannyTN]

"In Star Wars, they can't even hit another spaceship right in front of them with their lasers. "

That's because they were using the politically correct, ultra slow lasers.

The same reason they were using light wands, when clearly 20th century era glocks have a distinct advantage.

[Outlaw76]

Put them in pods and hang them from the wings of B-52. Say about 6 per pylon. Dependant on the recharge/fire rate the Buff would be able to carpet laze instead of bomb. Talk about death from above... This will change the whole nature of warfare.

[Frank_Discussion]

No ammo but energy is required. If it turns out light enough, a sufficient power source would make this damn formidable!

[GoatWorship]

There have been a continual flow of these article about the U.S. developing super weapons. I think we must be sending signals to the other countries.

Could also be a way of showing the public the fruits of the increased spending?

...but I'm sure it does have a bonus pant-wetting effect you allude to.

[VRWCmember]

Flying thru hyperspace ain't like dusting crops, boy!