Tactical Laser Weapons: fact from fiction

By John Keller

THE MIL & AERO VIDEO BLOG, 7 Sept. 2011.The notion of laser weapons used to be the stuff of outer-space fiction, but not for too much longer. High-energy lasers and their potential future role in the nation’s weapons arsenal dominate military research and development.

Just last week, Boeing and BAE Systems announced they’ve demonstrated a prototype laser cannon that can be bolted to the decks of warships to deter pirates, drug smugglers, and even swarms of small attack boats, the likes of which Navy surface forces have already confronted in the Persian Gulf.

The learn more about this experimental weapon--the Mk 38 Mod 2 Tactical Laser System--and where it might be located on warships, while still keeping things “shipshape,” be certain to watch John Keller’s video blog.