[TML] Airborne Tactical Laser

[Michael Jenkins]

2008/8/15 John Kwon <jtkwon at jtkgroup.com>:
> 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.

Probably, but all that running around and screaming could be quite
disconcerting ...

> 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.

The reactive armour's going to need an ablative coating ...

-- 
Regards,
Michael Jenkins
--
The way to happiness is: Keep your heart free from hate,
Your mind from worry. Live simply, give much.
Fill your life with love, Do as you would be done by.
Buddha
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