[TML] Airborne Tactical Laser

[John Kwon]

On Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 10:53 PM, Michael Jenkins <darvedd at gmail.com> wrote:

> 2008/8/15 Bruce Johnson <johnson at pharmacy.arizona.edu>
> >
> > On Aug 14, 2008, at 4:28 AM, John Kwon wrote:
> >
> > > For those of you who really, really want to know what the effects of
> > > a laser are:
> > > http://blog.wired.com/defense/2008/08/will-new-laser.html
> > >
> > > the capabilities for aiming are impressive - to hit so many small
> > > targets so quickly.
> >
> > The *claimed* capabilities.
> >
> > "According to the developers, the accuracy of this weapon is little
> > short of supernatural. They  claim that the pinpoint precision can
> > make it lethal or non-lethal at will. "
> >
> > Whenever I read of weapons system developers saying things like this
> > I'm minded of "Best Defense".
> >
> > I say if the developers are so convinced of this, they should all go
> > stand in those tanks while their supernaturally accurate laser blows
> > up the .50 Cal next to them....
>
> Err ... even if it *is* that accurate, I'm not sure that would make it
> safe to stand next to a .50 Cal while it's being blown up.
>

I think it would be much more effective to use for lethal purposes - hit
individual people.

Probably fairly safe to stand within a couple of yards of someone who is
being lit up like a tiki torch.

I can also see accompanying infantry complaining about reactive armor panels
- just trace the beam across the sides of the tank, and any infantry on that
side are going to be casualties.  Since no one will see or hear the beam,
and the vehicle won't show any signs of being hit (other than the ERA going
off) the bitching will be very loud.