We’ve grown up seeing futuristic weapons such as laser beams in sci-fi movies. Now, it has become a reality, as the US Navy successfully tests its new laser weapon system. This video of the USS Portland shows that the laser weapon system onboard the ship was able to disable the unmanned drone, which appeared to catch on fire quickly.
The Technology Maturation Laser Weapon System Demonstrator (LWSD) MK 2 MOD 0, developed by Northrup Grumman, allows ships to defend themselves against drones and even smaller enemy boats, the Navy claims.
According to a recent report, the market for similar energy weapon systems are on the rise across the globe, with a new arms race as nations look for novel ways to enhance border security and counter threats including drones and missiles.
“With this new advanced capability, we are redefining war at sea for the Navy,” Karrey Sanders, commanding officer of the USS Portland, said in the statement.
More details about this news over at Futurism.
Amazing, but scary.
What are your thoughts about this one?
(Video Credit: USNI News Video/ YouTube)
It was fake. It didn't go PEW! PEW! PEW!