Posted on 03/11/2012 10:30:14 PM PDT by U-238
DARPA is unveiling a portable laser weapons system, HELLADS, which seems like something out of a sci-fi movie. The new laser application, created by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems with a custom power system from Saft Batteries, will help change the way the American military fights future wars. Current military laser systems are bulky contraptions which are mainly the size of a passenger jet, while the proposed DARPA weapon can fit on the back of a flatbed truck. The 150-kilowatt, solid state laser weapon is strong enough to take down drones or other aerial targets; a prototype is expected to be available by the end of 2012.
HELLADS stands for High Energy Liquid Laser Area Defense System. Since laser beams work at the speed of light, it's effectively impossible for aerial targets to dodge them. The use of laser beams against land targets is complicated by line-of-sight issues, but the miniaturization of laser technology makes them perfect for use against aerial and naval targets. The demonstration laser for DARPA will be the first 150-kilowatt laser weapon of its kind. DARPA plans to use the completed prototypes against targets at White Sands Missile Range in early 2013--this will include ground testing against rockets, mortars, and surface-to-air missiles
(Excerpt) Read more at fastcompany.com ...
“Plasma rifle in the 40 watt range.”
“Hey, just what you see here pal.”
You do not necessarily mount this laser on a truck. You have it attached to an airplane.
The big words proposed, that means give someone a few billion and they might be able to build one. I doubt it!
Develop it through a black project through a black project. Maybe develop the project through DARPA’s many sub-contractors.
Develop it through a black project with a black budget. Maybe develop the project through DARPA’s many sub-contractors
It's the 21st Century, now begins the epoch of PULP SCI-FI MILITARY REALITY TV!...
ALTB?
Why not put the laser on the “Global Hawk”? This would be a perfect weapon for the Global Hawk. Have Drones hunting other Drones.
Why not put the laser on the “Global Hawk”? This would be a perfect weapon for the Global Hawk. Have Drones hunting other Drones.
Sounds good on paper.
Amazing stuff from GRASP Labs. Confined to the lab for now because of the need for calibrated position sensors, give ‘em a few years & they’ll be flying in the real world...
Aggressive Maneuvers for Autonomous Quadrotor Flight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvRTALJp8DM&feature=related
Aggressive Quadrotor Part II
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geqip_0Vjec&feature=related
Aggressive Quadrotors Part III
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-dkonAXOlQ&feature=related
It will be interesting as to how maneuverable they will be when they are sized up to fighter jet size.
I. Want. One.
Computers don’t pass out from pulling too many g’s.
That too.
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